Visualizing dynamic competence pili and DNA capture throughout the long axis of Bacillus subtilis.

ABSTRACT: The first step in the process of bacterial natural transformation is DNA capture. Although long hypothesized based on genetics and functional experiments, the pilus structure responsible for initial DNA binding had not yet been visualized for Bacillus subtilis. Here, we visualize functional competence pili in Bacillus subtilis using fluorophore-conjugated maleimide labeling in conjunction with epifluorescence microscopy. In strains that produce pilin monomers within tenfold of wild-type levels, the median length of detectable pili is 300 nm. These pili are retractile and associate with DNA. The analysis of pilus distribution at the cell surface reveals that they are predominantly located along the long axis of the cell. The distribution is consistent with localization of prot

SUBMITTER: Zuke JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10521363 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature