Abstract
Expression of the Bacillus subtilis recA gene is induced following DNA damage as well as during the development of the competent state. DNA damage-induction of the recA gene occurs by a RecA-dependent mechanism, whereas competence-induction occurs by a RecA-independent mechanism. To examine the molecular mechanisms that control the expression of the recA gene, a deletion analysis of the recA promoter region was performed. A regulatory region that is required for repression of recA expression was identified upstream of the recA pomoter. Deletion of this regulatory region depressed expression and abolished danage-induction of the recA promoter. Within this region are sequences similar to the consensus that has been identified within DNA damage-inducible promoter regions of other B subtilis genes. Another regulatory region was identified that is required for the RecA-independent, competence-specific induction of the recA gene. Deletion of these sequences significantly reduced competence-induction of the recA promoter.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 755-762 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Biochimie |
Volume | 74 |
Issue number | 7-8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1992 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Bacillus subtilis recA
- DNA damage
- gene regulation
- genetic competence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry