Inactivation of two homologues of proteins presumed to be involved in the desiccation tolerance of plants sensitizes Deinococcus radiodurans R1 to desiccation.

Mutational inactivation of the genes designated DR1172 and DRB0118 in Deinococcus radiodurans R1 greatly sensitizes this species to desiccation, but not to ionizing radiation. These genes encode proteins that share features with the desiccation-induced LEA76 proteins of many plants and the PCC13-62 protein of Craterostigma plantagineum, suggesting that D. radiodurans may serve as a useful model for the study of desiccation tolerance in higher organisms. Copyright 2001 Elsevier Science (USA).