Biochemical Basis of Stress Resistance of Deinococcus radiodurans

National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute

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Abstract

In Deinococcus radiodurans and other resistant bacteria, a mechanistic link exists between resistance, manganese accumulation, and protein protection. We previously demonstrated that ultrafiltered, protein-free preparations of D. radiodurans cell extracts prevent protein oxidation at massive doses of ionizing radiation. The two key protective components of the extract were peptides/amino acids and manganese. This year we initiated a systematic study of the contribution of each of the 20 common amino acids to protection of enzymes from inactivation, in the presence or absence of manganese. The enzymes being studied include those which have a known manganese binding site, those with a binding site for a divalent cation other than manganese, and those with no metal binding sites.