| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The <it>Staphylococcus aureus</it> RecU protein is homologous to a <it>Bacillus subtilis</it> Holliday junction resolvase. Interestingly, RecU is encoded in the same operon as PBP2, a penicillin-binding protein required for cell wall synthesis and essential for the full expression of resistance in Methicillin Resistant <it>S. aureus</it> strains. In this work we have studied the role of RecU in the clinical pathogen <it>S. aureus.</it></p> <p>Results</p> <p>Depletion of RecU in <it>S. aureus</it> results in the appearance of cells with compact nucleoids, septa formed over the DNA and anucleate cells. RecU-depleted cells also show increased septal recruitment of the DNA translocase SpoIIIE, presumably to resolve chromosome segregation defects. Additionally cells are more sensitive to DNA damaging agents such as mitomycin C or UV radiation. Expression of RecU from the ectopic chromosomal <it>spa</it> locus showed that co-expression of RecU and PBP2 was not necessary to ensure correct cell division, a process that requires tight coordination between chromosome segregation and septal cell wall synthesis.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>RecU is required for correct chromosome segregation and DNA damage repair in <it>S. aureus</it>. Co-expression of <it>recU</it> and <it>pbp2</it> from the same operon is not required for normal cell division.</p>
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