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Role of Escherichia coli RecBC enzyme in SOS induction

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Summary

Induction of the SOS genes is required for efficient repair of damaged DNA in Escherichia coli. SOS induction by nalidixic acid or oxolinic acid, two inhibitors of DNA gyrase, requires the RecBC enzyme of E. coli. We report here that the nuclease activity of RecBC enzyme is not needed for SOS induction by these agents. We suggest that the unwinding activity of RecBC enzyme produces single-stranded DNA which activates the RecA protein to stimulate LexA repressor cleavage and SOS induction.

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Author notes

  1. Abdul M. Chaudhury

    Present address: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, 27709, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1124 Columbia Street, 98104, Seattle, WA, USA

    Abdul M. Chaudhury & Gerald R. Smith

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  1. Abdul M. Chaudhury
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  2. Gerald R. Smith
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Communicated by R. Devoret

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Chaudhury, A.M., Smith, G.R. Role of Escherichia coli RecBC enzyme in SOS induction. Molec Gen Genet 201, 525–528 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331350

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331350

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