Natural transformation occurs independently of the essential actin-like MreB cytoskeleton in Legionella pneumophila.

ABSTRACT: Natural transformation is the process by which bacteria can actively take up and integrate exogenous DNA thereby providing a source of genetic diversity. Under specific growth conditions the coordinated expression of several genes--a situation referred to as "competence"--allows bacteria to assemble a highly processive and dedicated system that can import high molecular weight DNA. Within the cell these large imported DNA molecules are protected from degradation and brought to the chromosome for recombination. Here, we report elevated expression of mreB during competence in the Gram-negative pathogen Legionella pneumophila. Interestingly a similar observation had previously been reported in the distantly-related Gram-positive organism Bacillus subtilis. MreB is often viewed as the bacteria

SUBMITTER: Juan PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4630621 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature