SOS induction as an in vivo assay of enzyme-DNA interactions

Gene. 1991 Jul 15;103(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/0378-1119(91)90383-m.

Abstract

We have constructed strains which are convenient and sensitive indicators of DNA damage and describe their use. These strains utilize an SOS::lac Z fusion constructed by Kenyon and Walker [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77 (1980) 2819-2823] and respond to DNA damage by producing beta-galactosidase. They can be used to characterize restriction systems and screen for restriction endonuclease mutants. Applications include the study of other enzymes involved in DNA metabolism, such as DNA methyltransferases, topoisomerases, recombinases, and DNA replication and repair enzymes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • DNA / metabolism*
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Modification Methylases / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / physiology
  • Mutation / physiology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / biosynthesis
  • SOS Response, Genetics*
  • beta-Galactosidase / biosynthesis

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • DNA
  • DNA Modification Methylases
  • Deoxyribonuclease EcoRI
  • beta-Galactosidase