DNA-binding proteins from starved cells

Another protein able to sequester iron in a mineral core is Dps, a member of the ferritin superfamily. The name Dps comes from DNA-binding protein from starved cells, but although some Dps (for example, those from E. coli and Synechoccus sp. ) do bind DNA nonspecifically, others such as those from Campylobacter jejuni and Agrobacterium tumefaciens have no DNA-binding activity. These proteins retain the ability to protect DNA from damage via reactions with hydrogen peroxide. 

Zhao GH, Ceci P, Ilari A, Giangiacomo L, Laue TM, Chiancone E, Chasteen ND. 2002. Iron and hydrogen peroxide detoxification properties of DNA-binding protein from starved cells a fertitm-hke DNA-binding protein of Escherichia coli. J Biol Chem 277 27689-27696. 

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