Damage to DNA induces expression of the ruv gene of Escherichia coli

Abstract
Summary Regulation of the ruv gene of E. coli was studied using phage Mud (Ap lac) to obtain a fusion of the lac genes to the ruv promoter. β-galactosidase synthesis in the ruv-lac fusion strain was induced by mitomycin C and other agents that damage DNA. The induction of β-galactosidase could be altered by mutations either in lexA or recA from which it is concluded that ruv is regulated by lexA repressor. A possible function of ruv in promoting cell recovery following damage to DNA is discussed.