Represses a number of genes involved in the response to DNA damage (SOS response), including recA and lexA. Binds to the 16 bp palindromic sequence 5-CTGTATATATATACAG-3. In the presence of single-stranded DNA, RecA interacts with LexA causing an autocatalytic cleavage which disrupts the DNA-binding part of LexA, leading to derepression of the SOS regulon and eventually DNA repair. Implicated in hydroxy radical-mediated cell death induced by hydroxyurea treatment.
