Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Application of an In vitro DNA Protection Assay to Visualize Stress Mediation Properties of the Dps Protein
Published on: May 31, 2013
The Dps protein of Escherichia coli is involved in copper homeostasis
1Institute for Biology/Microbiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle, Germany.
Abstract:
The DNA-binding protein of starved cells (Dps) has two distinct cellular functions in Escherichia coli. The spherical Dps dodecamer can store iron and, predominantly in the stationary growth phase, high amounts of Dps protein protect the genome by binding non-specifically to DNA. In this study we investigated the role of Dps in copper homeostasis in growing cells of E. coli. Under reductive aerobic growth conditions that favor a redox shift from Cu(II) to Cu(I) or under anaerobiosis, cells deleted in dps were sensitive to low copper ion concentrations. Deletion of the DNA-binding N-terminus of Dps did not abrogate protection against copper toxicity indicating protection against copper stress is not directly related to DNA binding of Dps. The Dps protein is not a copper-storage protein in vitro or in vivo. In contrast, cells lacking Dps exhibited increased cellular copper concentrations compared to their wild-type parent. Furthermore, overproduction of Dps during growth phase resulted in decreased intracellular copper content under copper stress.
Related Concept Videos
Stringent Response in E. coli
Protein Modifications in the RER
Broadly, these modifications can be categorized into four main categories — glycosylation, formation of disulfide bonds, assembly of protein subunits, and specific proteolytic cleavages like removal of signal sequences.
pH Regulation in Cells
Cytosolic pH
Under physiological conditions, the cytosolic pH is slightly more acidic than the extracellular pH. However, cells must prevent further acidification of their cytosol to...
Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria
Other Stress Responses in Bacteria
Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV

