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Rapid evolution of mitomycin C resistance in Escherichia coli
Author(s) -
Goiffon Reece J.,
Li Hao,
Scarpace Katie L.,
Battista John R.,
Cox Michael M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.lb34-d
Subject(s) - mitomycin c , escherichia coli , ionizing radiation , gene , mutation , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , biology , genetics , irradiation , physics , nuclear physics
Bacteria have an impressive capacity to adapt to environmental stresses. Using a protocol involving repeated exposure of cells to ionizing radiation followed by outgrowth, we have recently succeeded in generating several strains of highly radiation resistant Escherichia coli . Each of the strains featured approximately 60 mutations. Several of those mutations affected genes that could play a role in rapid evolution. We have now carried out selections designed to produce strains that are resistant to the crosslinking agent mitomycin C. At least one of the mutations generated in the original screen for ionizing radiation resistance, an alteration in the dinI gene, produces a nearly 100 fold increase in resistance to mitomycin C. The effects of this mutation and several others on the rate of directed evolution of mitomycin C resistance will be presented. Supported by 2006–2007 Wisconsin Hilldale Undergraduate Research Award.