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Ribonucleotide reductase and the regulation of DNA replication: an old story and an ancient heritage.

TitleRibonucleotide reductase and the regulation of DNA replication: an old story and an ancient heritage.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsHerrick, J, Sclavi, B
JournalMol Microbiol
Volume63
Issue1
Pagination22-34
Date Published2007 Jan
ISSN0950-382X
KeywordsDNA Replication, DNA, Bacterial, Escherichia coli, Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial, Ribonucleotide Reductases
Abstract

All organisms that synthesize their own DNA have evolved mechanisms for maintaining a constant DNA/cell mass ratio independent of growth rate. The DNA/cell mass ratio is a central parameter in the processes controlling the cell cycle. The co-ordination of DNA replication with cell growth involves multiple levels of regulation. DNA synthesis is initiated at specific sites on the chromosome termed origins of replication, and proceeds bidirectionally to elongate and duplicate the chromosome. These two processes, initiation and elongation, therefore determine the total rate of DNA synthesis in the cell. In Escherichia coli, initiation depends on the DnaA protein while elongation depends on a multiprotein replication factory that incorporates deoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs) into the growing DNA chain. The enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is universally responsible for synthesizing the necessary dNTPs. In this review we examine the role RNR plays in regulating the total rate of DNA synthesis in E. coli and, hence, in maintaining constant DNA/cell mass ratios during normal growth and under conditions of DNA stress.

DOI10.1111/j.1365-2958.2006.05493.x
Alternate JournalMol. Microbiol.
PubMed ID17229208

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