Functional analysis of spfD gene involved in DNA phosphorothioation in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1

DNA phosphorothioation is widespread in many bacterial species. By homology analysis of the dnd gene cluster in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1, a spfBCDE gene cluster involved in DNA phosphorothioation was localized. Disruption of the spfD gene, a dndD homolog, caused the loss of the Dnd phenotype and demonstrated the involvement of spfD in DNA phosphorothioation in P. fluorescens Pf0-1. The ATPase activity of SpfD suggests that SpfD could hydrolyze ATP to provide the energy required in the DNA phosphorothioate modi. cation process. (C) 2009 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.