Physiological responses of the hyperthermophilic archaeon "Pyrococcus abyssi" to DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation

Edmond Jolivet, Fujihiko Matsunaga, Yoshizumi Ishino, Patrick Forterre, Daniel Prieur, Hannu Myllykallio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The mechanisms by which hyperthermophilic Archaea, such as "Pyrococcus abyssi" and Pyrococcus furiosus, survive high doses of ionizing gamma irradiation are not thoroughly elucidated. Following gamma-ray irradiation at 2,500 Gy, the restoration of "P. abyssi" chromosomes took place within chromosome fragmentation. DNA synthesis in irradiated "P. abyssi" cells during the DNA repair phase was inhibited in comparison to nonirradiated control cultures, suggesting that DNA damage causes a replication block in this organism. We also found evidence for transient export of damaged DNA out of irradiated "P. abyssi" cells prior to a restart of chromosomal DNA synthesis. Our cell fractionation assays further suggest that "P. abyssi" contains a highly efficient DNA repair system which is continuously ready to repair the DNA damage caused by high temperature and/or ionizing radiation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3958-3961
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of bacteriology
Volume185
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2003

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Physiological responses of the hyperthermophilic archaeon "Pyrococcus abyssi" to DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this