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Evidence of functional interactions between the α‐subunit of Pol III and Pol IV (DinB) in Escherichia coli
Author(s) -
Benson Ryan William,
Rands Thomas J,
Godoy Veronica G
Publication year - 2013
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.27.1_supplement.542.14
Subject(s) - dna polymerase , polymerase , biology , protein subunit , genetics , dna replication , dna , gene
Polymerase switching and protein‐protein interactions between DNA polymerases are still poorly understood processes. Pol IV (DinB) in E. coli has been shown to play a role separate from their translesion synthesis (TLS) or polymerase activities. DinB can affect replication checkpoints, although this has only been observed during DinB overexpression. By using different dnaE alleles that encode variants of the Pol IIIα‐subunit of the replicative polymerase, we have been able to study the in vivo interaction between this protein and DinB variants. Synthetic sickness or lethality is observed with combinations of different alleles of dnaE and dinB. Phenotypic variation and the subsequent reversion to wild type allow identification of various mutations in dinB that suppress growth defects. Our investigation allows greater understanding of the mechanisms regulating the TLS activity and alternative roles that these specialized DNA polymerases play in cells experiencing DNA damage or environmental stress, such as replication checkpoints.