radArelated

RadArelated refers to proteins and genes that are homologous to the archaeal and bacterial recombination protein RadA. In genomics and protein annotation, RadArelated proteins resemble RadA but have not been experimentally characterized. They are typically categorized within the RecA/Rad51 superfamily, which mediates homologous recombination and DNA repair.

Most RadArelated proteins contain an ATPase (P-loop NTPase) domain and are predicted to participate in DNA binding and remodeling. The corresponding genes may be annotated as radA-related, radA-like, or RadA family, and are sometimes located near other DNA repair genes in operons. Distribution is greatest in archaea, with sporadic presence in some bacteria, including species that lack canonical RecA.

RadArelated proteins are thought to promote strand exchange and DNA repair by forming filamentous complexes on DNA, similar to RecA. They may require accessory proteins and vary in DNA substrate preferences. Exact biochemical activities can differ among species.

RadArelated represents a distinct lineage within RecA-family recombinases, offering insight into the evolution of recombination systems in archaea and bacteria. Researchers use RadArelated sequences in comparative genomics to study archaeal diversity and adaptation to extreme environments.

Related topics include RecA, Rad51, and RadA itself.