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Rising from the fragments: a multi-factorial regulatory framework of DNA damage response in Deinococcus radiodurans
Narasimha Anaganti1,2, Aman Kumar Ujaoney3,4, Mahesh Kumar Padwal3
1Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India. anaganti@barc.gov.in.
Extremophiles : Life Under Extreme Conditions
|July 13, 2026
Summary
Deinococcus radiodurans repairs extensive DNA damage using complex regulatory networks. This review details its resistance strategies for surviving extreme environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Extremophiles like Deinococcus radiodurans possess remarkable resistance to DNA-damaging agents.
- Understanding their gene expression regulation is key to their survival strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate regulatory networks governing DNA damage response in D. radiodurans.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of molecular strategies enabling survival in extreme environments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on D. radiodurans DNA damage response.
- Analysis of regulatory mechanisms including cis-acting elements and trans-acting factors.
Main Results:
- D. radiodurans employs multi-factorial regulatory mechanisms for precise, dose- and time-dependent gene activation/repression.
- Various DNA repair pathways operate coordinately to restore the genome.
- Regulatory elements include promoters, enhancers, operators, and non-coding RNAs.
Conclusions:
- D. radiodurans utilizes sophisticated regulatory networks for robust DNA damage response.
- These mechanisms are crucial for its survival in extreme habitats.
- Identified knowledge gaps highlight areas for future research.
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