Single-molecule live-cell imaging reveals RecB-dependent function of DNA polymerase IV in double strand break repair.

ABSTRACT: Several functions have been proposed for the Escherichia coli DNA polymerase IV (pol IV). Although much research has focused on a potential role for pol IV in assisting pol III replisomes in the bypass of lesions, pol IV is rarely found at the replication fork in vivo. Pol IV is expressed at increased levels in E. coli cells exposed to exogenous DNA damaging agents, including many commonly used antibiotics. Here we present live-cell single-molecule microscopy measurements indicating that double-strand breaks induced by antibiotics strongly stimulate pol IV activity. Exposure to the antibiotics ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim leads to the formation of double strand breaks in E. coli cells. RecA and pol IV foci increase after treatment and exhibit strong colocalization. The induction of the S

SUBMITTER: Henrikus SS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7470938 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature