SbmC limits the mutation rate of Escherichia coli
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ABSTRACT: DNA damage induces the mutations that drive bacterial adaption, evolution, and antibiotic escape. Both mutagenic and non-mutagenic DNA damage repair is coordinated by the SOS response, but despite extensive work, the functions of some SOS-induced genes remain obscure. Here, we clarify the function of Escherichia coli SbmC (GyrI). Despite its proposed function as a gyrase inhibitor, cells either lacking or overexpressing SbmC instead exhibit phenotypes consistent with a role in limiting DNA damage and cellular variation. Importantly, SbmC levels inversely correlate with E. coli mutation rate. Excess SbmC limits mutation whereas loss of SbmC increases mutation, possibly because ∆sbmC cells variably induce the SOS response, including mutagenic DNA Pol V. We additionally show that SbmC is dispensable for survival in the presence of double-strand break inducing drugs but is required to limit their mutational effects. Finally, evolutionary analysis indicates that bacterial SbmC homologs maintain their small molecule-binding domain but not the gyrase interacting residues identified in E. coli. Together, our findings suggest that SbmC-like proteins may bind to a yet-unknown cofactor to limit DNA damage and organismal evolution.
ORGANISM(S): Escherichia coli
PROVIDER: GSE324174 | GEO | 2026/03/11
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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