Novel Flp pilus biogenesis-dependent natural transformation.

ABSTRACT: Natural transformation has been described in bacterial species spread through nearly all major taxonomic groups. However, the current understanding of the structural components and the regulation of competence development is derived from only a few model organisms. Although natural transformation was discovered in members of the Actinobacteria (high GC Gram-positive bacteria) more than four decades ago, the structural components or the regulation of the competence system have not been studied in any representative of the entire phylum. In this report we identify a new role for a distinct type of pilus biogenesis genes (tad genes, for tight adherence), which so far have been connected only with biofilm formation, adherence and virulence traits. The tad-like genes found in the genome of Micr

SUBMITTER: Angelov A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4322843 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature