Concerted spatio-temporal dynamics of imported DNA and ComE DNA uptake protein during gonococcal transformation.

ABSTRACT: Competence for transformation is widespread among bacterial species. In the case of Gram-negative systems, a key step to transformation is the import of DNA across the outer membrane. Although multiple factors are known to affect DNA transport, little is known about the dynamics of DNA import. Here, we characterized the spatio-temporal dynamics of DNA import into the periplasm of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. DNA was imported into the periplasm at random locations around the cell contour. Subsequently, it was recruited at the septum of diplococci at a time scale that increased with DNA length. We found using fluorescent DNA that the periplasm was saturable within minutes with ∼40 kbp DNA. The DNA-binding protein ComE quantitatively governed the carrying capacity of the periplasm in a gene-dosage-

SUBMITTER: Gangel H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3999279 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature