The role of Bacillus anthracis RecD2 helicase in DNA mismatch repair

► Disruption of Bacillus anthracis BAS4289 locus generates a mutator phenotype. ► The mutation frequency and specificity is similar to that of MMR-deficient strains. ► BAS4289 encodes a SF1B DNA helicase homologous to Deinococcus radiodurans RecD2. ► RecD2 unique and conserved N-terminal motifs are needed for its DNA repair function.