Latent ClpX-recognition signals ensure LexA destruction after DNA damage

The DNA-damage response genes in bacteria are up-regulated when LexA repressor undergoes autocatalytic cleavage stimulated by activated RecA protein. Intact LexA is stable to intracellular degradation but its auto-cleavage fragments are degraded rapidly. Here, both fragments of LexA are shown to be substrates for the ClpXP protease. ClpXP recognizes these fragments using sequence motifs that flank the auto-cleavage site but are dormant in intact LexA. Furthermore, ClpXP degradation of the LexA-DNA-binding fragment is important to cell survival after DNA damage. These results demonstrate how one protein-processing event can activate latent protease recognition signals, triggering a cascade of protein turnover in response to environmental stress.