Accumulation of Mn(II) in Deinococcus radiodurans Facilitates Gamma-Radiation Resistance
Abstract
Deinococcus radiodurans is extremely resistant to ionizing radiation. How this bacterium can grow under chronic γ radiation [50 grays (Gy) per hour] or recover from acute doses greater than 10 kGy is unknown. We show that D. radiodurans accumulates very high intracellular manganese and low iron levels compared with radiation-sensitive bacteria and that resistance exhibits a concentration-dependent response to manganous chloride [Mn(II)]. Among the most radiation-resistant bacterial groups reported, Deinococcus, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus , and cyanobacteria accumulate Mn(II). In contrast, Shewanella oneidensis and Pseudomonas putida have high iron but low intracellular manganese concentrations and are very sensitive. We propose that Mn(II) accumulation facilitates recovery from radiation injury.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 05, 2004
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.1103185
Entities
People
- A. Vasilenko
- A. Venkateswaran
- D. Ghosal
- E. K. Gaidamakova
- H. M. Kostandarithes
- J. K. Fredrickson
- K. S. Makarova
- L. P. Wackett
- M. Hess
- M. V. Omelchenko
- M. Zhai
- Michael J. Daly
- Vera Y. Matrosova
Organizations
- National Institutes of Health
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- University of Minnesota