Protection mechanism of Dps protein of bacterial DNA during sublethal heat shock

The mechanism of protective action of the DNA-binding protein Dps from Escherichia coli during sublethal exposure to thermal shock has been deciphered using in vivo experimental methods and in silico molecular modelling methods. The strength of the DNA–Dps complex was shown to increase when the temperature was raised to 55 °C, and to maintain this state after cooling down to 28 °C. It is proved that this favors the survival of bacteria and their acquisition of additional stress resistance.