Detection of DNA damage by use of Escherichia coli carrying recA'::lux, uvrA'::lux, or alkA'::lux reporter plasmids

Amy C. Vollmer*, Shimshon Belkin, Dana R. Smulski, Tina K. Van Dyk, Robert A. Larossa

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

254 Scopus citations

Abstract

Plasmids were constructed in which DNA damage-inducible promoters recA, uvrA, and alkA from Escherichia coli were fused to the Vibrio fischeri luxCDABE operon. Introduction of these plasmids into E. coli allowed the detection of a dose-dependent response to DNA-damaging agents, such as mitomycin and UV irradiation. Bioluminescence was measured in real time over extended periods. The fusion of the recA promoter to luxCDABE showed the most dramatic and sensitive responses. lexA dependence of the bioluminescent SOS response was demonstrated, confirming that this biosensor's reports were transmitted by the expected regulatory circuitry. Comparisons were made between luxCDABE and lacZ fusions to each promoter. It is suggested that the lux biosensors may have use in monitoring chemical, physical, and genotoxic agents as well as in further characterizing the mechanisms of DNA repair.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2566-2571
Number of pages6
JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology
Volume63
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1997

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