Multiple Ku orthologues mediate DNA non-homologous end-joining in the free-living form and during chronic infection of Sinorhizobium meliloti.

ABSTRACT: The bacterial non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) apparatus is a two-component system that uses Ku and LigD to repair DNA double-strand breaks. Although the reaction mechanism has been extensively studied, much less is known about the physiological role of bacterial NHEJ. Recent studies suggest that NHEJ acts under conditions where DNA replication is reduced or absent (such as in a spore or stationary phase). Interestingly, genes encoding Ku and LigD have been identified in a wide range of bacteria that can chronically infect eukaryotic hosts. Strikingly, Sinohizobium meliloti, an intracellular symbiont of legume plants, carries four genes encoding Ku homologues (sku1 to sku4). Deletion analysis of the sku genes indicated that all Ku homologues are functional. One of these genes, sku2, is st

SUBMITTER: Kobayashi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2770583 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature