Quantification of SSB protein in E. coli and its variation during RECA protein induction.

Using a two-site immunometric assay (IRMA) we quantified the concentration of single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) in several E. coli strains. We found approximately 7,000 monomers of SSB present per bacterium, and this number remained constant throughout the exponential phase of growth. Two ssb- mutants (ssb-1 and ssb-113) are defective in the induction of the S.O.S. pathway. One of the first functions expressed upon induction of the S.O.S. pathway is the amplification of recA protein (RECA), which we monitored by an IRMA assay similar to the one used for SSB quantification. By combining the two assays we determined the level of SSB and RECA in ssb- mutants or in SSB and RECA overproducer strains. We found: a) a normal induction of RECA following UV irradiation of E. coli bacteria overproducing SSB, b) a normal level of SSB in wild type and ssb-1 and ssb-113 mutants either in the absence or in the presence of S.O.S. inducing agents. We confirmed a severe impairment in the induction of RECA in these two mutants after nalidixic acid treatment. Our results suggest that the concentrations of RECA and SSB protein in E. coli are regulated by independent biochemical pathways.