Initiating chromosome replication in E. coli: it makes sense to recycle

Genes Dev. 2009 May 15;23(10):1145-50. doi: 10.1101/gad.1809909.

Abstract

Initiating new rounds of Escherichia coli chromosome replication requires DnaA-ATP to unwind the replication origin, oriC, and load DNA helicase. In this issue of Genes & Development, Fujimitsu and colleagues (pp. 1221-1233) demonstrate that two chromosomal sites, termed DARS (DnaA-reactivating sequences), recycle inactive DnaA-ADP into DnaA-ATP. Fujimitsu and colleagues propose these sites are necessary to attain the DnaA-ATP threshold during normal growth and are important regulators of initiation timing in bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Chromosomes, Bacterial / genetics*
  • DNA Replication / genetics*
  • DNA, Intergenic / genetics
  • DNA, Intergenic / metabolism*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli / genetics*
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Nucleoproteins / metabolism
  • Protein Biosynthesis

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA, Intergenic
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • DnaA protein, Bacteria
  • Nucleoproteins