Microbial DNA-binding protein

Microbial DNA-binding proteins are a diverse family of small, basic proteins in bacteria that interact with DNA to compact the nucleoid, regulate gene expression, and protect genomic material under stress. In spore-forming bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, α/β-type SASPs bind DNA in the minor groove via a helix-turn-helix motif, stabilizing it in an A-B DNA conformation resistant to UV radiation, desiccation, heat, and chemicals by shielding bases and forming a protective protein coat. Proteins like H-NS, HU, and IHF act as architectural elements, bending DNA, forming bridges between duplexes, and silencing foreign genes to aid genome evolution and biofilm formation. Extracellularly, these proteins stabilize eDNA in biofilms or NETs, enhancing microbial survival and pathogenesis. While essential for bacterial physiology, they contribute to infection by promoting spore resistance and biofilm persistence, though they are not typical drug targets due to their broad, non-specific nature and host analogs.

Other names

Bacterial histone-like proteinsnucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs)small acid-soluble spore proteins (SASPs)DNABII proteins (e.g., HU, IHF)H-NS-like proteins (e.g., H-NS, Lsr2, MvaT, Rok)