RecFOR epistasis group: RecF and RecO have distinct localizations and functions in Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT: In bacteria, genetic recombination is a major mechanism for DNA repair. The RecF, RecO and RecR proteins are proposed to initiate recombination by loading the RecA recombinase onto DNA. However, the biophysical mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. Here, we used genetics and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to investigate whether RecF and RecO function together, or separately, in live Escherichia coli cells. We identified conditions in which RecF and RecO functions are genetically separable. Single-molecule imaging revealed key differences in the spatiotemporal behaviours of RecF and RecO. RecF foci frequently colocalize with replisome markers. In response to DNA damage, colocalization increases and RecF dimerizes. The majority of RecF foci are dependent on Re

SUBMITTER: Henrikus SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6451095 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature