[7] The second mode of protection is due to the ability of Dps proteins to bind and oxidize Fe(II) at the characteristic, highly conserved intersubunit ferroxidase center.

One hydrogen peroxide oxidizes two Fe2+ ions, which prevents hydroxyl radical production by the Fenton reaction (reaction I): 2 Fe2+ + H2O2 + 2 H+ = 2 Fe3+ + 2 H2O Dps also protects the cell from UV and gamma ray irradiation, iron and copper toxicity, thermal stress and acid and base shocks.

Single molecule studies have shown that Dps-DNA complexes can get trapped in long-lived metastable states that exhibit hysteresis.

[13] In Escherichia coli Dps protein is Induced by rpoS and IHF in the early stationary phase.

Taking inspiration from nature, hollow interior cavity of Dps and ferritin cages have also been used to encapsulate enzymes.

For example, DNA binding protein from nutrient starved cells (Dps) cage was shown to cross glomerular filtration barrier and target renal proximal tubules.