Abstract
The expression of and role played by RecA in protecting sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis from DNA damage has been determined. Results showed that the DNA-alkylating agent Mitomycin-C (M-C) activated expression of a PrecA-gfpmut3a fusion in both sporulating cells’ mother cell and forespore compartments. The expression levels of a recA-lacZ fusion were significantly lower in sporulating than in growing cells. However, M-C induced levels of ß-galactosidase from a recA-lacZ fusion ~6- and 3-fold in the mother cell and forespore compartments of B. subtilis sporangia, respectively. Disruption of recA slowed sporulation and sensitized sporulating cells to M-C and UV-C radiation, and the M-C and UV-C sensitivity of sporangia lacking the transcriptional repair-coupling factor Mfd was significantly increased by loss of RecA. We postulate that when DNA damage is encountered during sporulation, RecA activates the SOS response thus providing sporangia with the repair machinery to process DNA lesions that may compromise the spatio-temporal expression of genes that are essential for efficient spore formation.
Highlights
Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are within the manuscript
We report here that expression of recA is induced by DNA-damaging factors during sporulation, and in both sporangium compartments, and that the activation of the SOS response by RecA is required to eliminate DNA lesions inflicted by UV-C and M-C in B. subtilis sporangia
Since RecA regulates the SOS response in B. subtilis [30], we generated a recombinant strain of B. subtilis to monitor in situ the transcriptional activation of the SOS response by DNA damage
Summary
Data Availability Statement: All relevant data are within the manuscript. We report here that expression of recA is induced by DNA-damaging factors during sporulation, and in both sporangium compartments, and that the activation of the SOS response by RecA is required to eliminate DNA lesions inflicted by UV-C and M-C in B. subtilis sporangia.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
