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Variable expression of the ssb-1 allele in different strains of Escherichia coli K12 and B: Differential suppression of its effects on DNA replication, DNA repair and ultraviolet mutagenesis

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Summary

We have transduced the mutant allele ssb-1, which encodes a temperature-sensitive single-strand DNA binding protein (SSB), into several Escherichia coli strains, and have examined colony-forming ability, DNA replication, sensitivity to ultraviolet light (UV) and UV-induced mutability at the nonpermissive temperature. We have found: 1) that the degree of ssb-1-mediated temperature-sensitivity of colony-forming ability and of DNA replication is strain-dependent, resulting in plating efficiencies at 42° C (relative to 30° C) ranging from 100% to 0.002%; 2) that complete suppression of the temperature-sensitivity caused by ssb-1 occurs only on nutrient agar, and not in any other medium tested; 3) that strains in which ssb-1-mediated temperature-sensitivity is completely suppressed show moderate UV sensitivity and normal UV mutability at 30° C, but much more extreme UV sensitivity and drastically reduced UV mutability at 42° C; and 4) that defects in excision repair or in other Uvr+-dependent processes are not responsible for most of the UV sensitivity promoted by ssb-1. We discuss our results in relation to the known properties of SSB and its possible role in the induction of DNA damage-inducible (SOS) functions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, 08903, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA

    Howard B. Lieberman & Evelyn M. Witkin

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  1. Howard B. Lieberman
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  2. Evelyn M. Witkin
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Communicated by B.A. Bridges

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Lieberman, H.B., Witkin, E.M. Variable expression of the ssb-1 allele in different strains of Escherichia coli K12 and B: Differential suppression of its effects on DNA replication, DNA repair and ultraviolet mutagenesis. Molec. Gen. Genet. 183, 348–355 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00270639

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00270639

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