Determination of an unknown protein implicated in radiation resistance in Deinococcus Radiodurans
EMSL Project ID
2102
Abstract
Deinococcus radiodurans is one of the most radiation resistant organisms known able to survive after exposure of over 4000 Gy of ionizing radiation. Although it is clear that the DNA is fragmented after exposure to radiation, it remains unclear how the organism is able to repair and reform its DNA in such a way for its continued survival. The basis for the DNA repair mechanism lies in the proteins the organism expresses after exposure to radiation. Defining the DNA repair mechanism in D. radiodurans has implications in the understanding of DNA repair mechanism in Eukaryotic systems and in the engineering of organisms for bioremediation.Recently, we have identified a protein important in the resistance of Deinococcus to ionizing radiation. The protein, as of yet unidentified, when mutated or removed renders the organism sensitive to ionizing radiation. Using the protein database created by a pilot project at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, which mapped the majority of the proteome of Deinococcus radiodurans by a mass spectrometric approach using tryptic digests of proteins expressed in the organism, more information of this protein can be obtained. Additionally, using this approach, a number of proteins important to DNA repair can be identified for further study.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2000-12-01
End Date
2003-12-07
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members