Detection by whole genome microarrays of a spontaneous 126-gene deletion during construction of a ytfE mutant: confirmation that a ytfE mutation results in loss of repair of iron-sulfur centres in proteins damaged by oxidative or nitrosative stress

We show that genomic hybridization allows detection of a spontaneous secondary deletion of 126 genes that occurred during construction of an Escherichia coli ytfE mutant, LMS4209, explaining some of its unexpected growth defects. We confirm that YtfE is required to repair damage to iron-sulfur centres and for hydrogen peroxide resistance.