Natural Transformation, Recombination, and Repair

Wolfgang Fischer; Dirk Hofreuter; Rainer Haas

doi:10.1128/9781555818005.ch22

Chapter 22 : Natural Transformation, Recombination, and Repair

Authors: Wolfgang Fischer¹, Dirk Hofreuter¹, Rainer Haas¹

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Affiliations: 1: Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie Abteilung Bakteriologie, Pettenkoferstrasse 9a, D-80336 München, Germany

Content Type: Monograph

Publication Year: 2001

Category: Bacterial Pathogenesis

Book DOI: 10.1128/9781555818005

Chapter DOI: 10.1128/9781555818005.ch22

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Abstract:

Three mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer are commonly observed: natural transformation, conjugation, and transduction. Natural transformation and other mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer are dependent on DNA recombination. The latter mechanism is probably the most important function in postreplicative DNA repair. All organisms respond to the continuous damaging of their DNA by exogenous or endogenous factors with several, possibly redundant, systems of DNA repair. The number of different systems seems to vary considerably between organisms, although this does not necessarily imply altered mutation rates. Natural transformation of Helicobacter pylori, together with DNA recombination and repair, is discussed in this chapter to underline the interdependence of these cellular functions. Natural transformation competence in most gram-negative bacteria is associated with production of type IV pili. The importance of recombination for natural transformation competence is mentioned, but (homologous) recombination is also possible during all other states of transient or permanent diploidy, i.e., during conjugation or transduction or after DNA replication. Branch migration and junction resolution can also be performed by RecG, but both systems may have different functions in (recombinational) DNA repair. The resolution of some Holliday junctions during recombinational repair results in the formation of chromosomal dimers, which have to be resolved by the XerCD site-specific recombinases found in many organisms.

Citation: Fischer W, Hofreuter D, Haas R. 2001. Natural Transformation, Recombination, and Repair, p 249-257. In Mobley H, Mendz G, Hazell S (ed), Helicobacter pylori. ASM Press, Washington, DC. doi: 10.1128/9781555818005.ch22

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Natural Transformation, Recombination, and Repair

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Figure 1

Arrangement of gene loci involved in H. pylori transformation competence. Gene arrangement of the four loci that to date have been shown to be necessary for H. pylori transformation competence. Gene orientations, numbers, and designations are shown according to the genome sequence of H. pylori strain J99. Localizations and putative functions of the encoded proteins are indicated. Abbreviations: IM, inner membrane; PP, periplasmic space; CY, cytoplasm. The proteins marked by an asterisk are associated with membrane fractions as well. For the DprA and ComH proteins, no experimental data are available.

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Figure 1

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Tables

Natural Transformation, Recombination, and Repair

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Table 1

H. pylori genes that may be involved in homologous recombination and recombinational repair

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Table 1

H. pylori genes that may be involved in homologous recombination and recombinational repair