Molecular characterization of regulatory elements controlling expression of the Bacillus subtilis recA+ gene

D. L. Cheo, K. W. Bayles, R. E. Yasbin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)755-762
Number of pages8
JournalBiochimie
Volume74
Issue number7-8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bacillus subtilis recA
  • DNA damage
  • gene regulation
  • genetic competence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry

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