Protection of DNA during oxidative stress by the nonspecific DNA-binding protein Dps

Protection of DNA during oxidative stress by the nonspecific DNA-binding protein Dps.

Reactive oxygen species can damage most cellular components, but DNA appears to be the most sensitive target of these agents. Here we present the first evidence of DNA protection against the toxic and mutagenic effects of oxidative damage in metabolically active cells: direct protection of DNA by Dps, an inducible nonspecific DNA-binding protein from Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that in a r...

DNA protection by the bacterial ferritin Dps via DNA charge transport.

Dps proteins, bacterial mini-ferritins that protect DNA from oxidative stress, are implicated in the survival and virulence of pathogenic bacteria. Here we examine the mechanism of E. coli Dps protection of DNA, specifically whether this DNA-binding protein can utilize DNA charge transport through the base pair π-stack to protect the genome from a distance. An intercalating ruthenium photooxida...

Nonspecific protein-DNA binding is widespread in the yeast genome.

Recent genome-wide measurements of binding preferences of ~200 transcription regulators in the vicinity of transcription start sites in yeast, have provided a unique insight into the cis-regulatory code of a eukaryotic genome. Here, we show that nonspecific transcription factor (TF)-DNA binding significantly influences binding preferences of the majority of transcription regulators in promoter ...

Nonspecific DNA bending and the specificity of protein-DNA interactions.

Extranuclear protection of chromosomal DNA from oxidative stress.

Eukaryotic organisms evolved under aerobic conditions subjecting nuclear DNA to damage provoked by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although ROS are thought to be a major cause of DNA damage, little is known about the molecular mechanisms protecting nuclear DNA from oxidative stress. Here we show that protection of nuclear DNA in plants requires a coordinated function of ROS-scavenging pathways r...