Molecular basis of base substitution hotspots in Escherichia coli

C Coulondre; J H Miller; P J Farabaugh; W Gilbert

doi:10.1038/274775a0

Molecular basis of base substitution hotspots in Escherichia coli

Nature. 1978 Aug 24;274(5673):775-80. doi: 10.1038/274775a0.

Authors

C Coulondre, J H Miller, P J Farabaugh, W Gilbert

PMID: 355893
DOI: 10.1038/274775a0

Abstract

In the lacI gene of Escherichia coli spontaneous base substituion hotspots occur at 5-methylcytosine residues. The hotspots disappear when the respective cytosines are not methylated. We suggest that the hotspots may result from the spontaneous deamination of 5-methylcytosine to thymine, which is not excised by the enzyme DNA-uracil glycosidase.

MeSH terms

2-Aminopurine / pharmacology
Base Sequence
Codon
Cytosine / analogs & derivatives
Escherichia coli / genetics*
Genes*
Lactose / genetics*
Mutagens
Mutation* / drug effects
Mutation* / radiation effects
Peptide Chain Termination, Translational
Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

Codon
Mutagens
2-Aminopurine
Cytosine
Lactose