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Detection Of Dna Damage By Use Of Escherichia Coli Carrying Reca'::Lux, Uvra'::Lux, And Alka'::Lux Reporter Plasmids, Amy Cheng Vollmer, S. Belkin, D. R. Smulski, T. K. Van Dyk, R. A. Larossa

Biology Faculty Works

Plasmids were constructed in which DNA damage-inducible promoters recA, uvrA, and alkA from Escherichia coli were fused to the Vibrio fischeri luxCDABE operon. Introduction of these plasmids into E. coli allowed the detection of a dose-dependent response to DNA-damaging agents, such as mitomycin and UV irradiation. Bioluminescence was measured in real time over extended periods. The fusion of the recA promoter to luxCDABE showed the most dramatic and sensitive responses. lexA dependence of the bioluminescent SOS response was demonstrated, confirming that this biosensor's reports were transmitted by the expected regulatory circuitry. Comparisons were made between luxCDABE and lacZ fusions to …