KU binds excess zinc to prevent toxicity

What is it about?

Excess zinc is toxic. Cells expressing M. smegmatis KU are less sensitive. KU binds zinc, and this binding depends on two cysteine residues from each monomer of the dimeric KU protein. DNA binding is not compromised as a result. This suggests that KU has acquired a separate function in sequestering excess zinc.

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Why is it important?

Illustrates a different mechanism by which cells can respond to zinc toxicity.