Function and biochemical characterization of RecJ in Deinococcus radiodurans

► recJ could be mutated in Deinococcus radiodurans. ► The inactivation of recJ caused growth defect and sensitivity to high temperature. ► RecJ takes part in the radioresistance, but to a small extent, compared with recF. ► The activity of DrRecJ could be regulated by Mn2+ and SSB, DdrB. ► DrRecJ has a wider substrate range than RecJ in Escherichia coli.