Functional analysis of drB0118 gene in response to abiotic stress in Deinococcus radiodurans

Abstract:

[Objective] drB0118 gene in Deinococcus radiodurans is predicted to encode a protein associated with the desiccation tolerance. The purpose of this study is to identify and determine the function of drB0118 gene, especially its effects on the bacterial resistance to salt, osmotic and oxidative stresses. [Methods] The drB0118 mutant was constructed and its tolerance to salt, osmotic and oxidative stresses was investigated by the NaCl, D-sorbitol or H2O2 shock experiments. The expression of the genes involved in oxidative stress response was measured by qRT-PCR assay under the oxidative stress. [Results] The mutant ΔB0118 was more sensitive to NaCl, D-sorbitol and H2O2 stresses than the wild type strain. The inactivation of drB0118 resulted in 4-fold or 10-fold decrease in the relative expression of pod and oxyR genes respectively. [Conclusion] The results suggested that drB0118 gene was involved in salt, osmotic and antioxidant stress in D. radiodurans.