Abstract
Bacteria can acquire genetic diversity, including antibiotic resistance and virulence traits, by horizontal gene transfer. In particular, many bacteria are naturally competent for uptake of naked DNA from the environment in a process called transformation. Here, we used optical tweezers to demonstrate that the DNA transport machinery in Bacillus subtilis is a force-generating motor. Single DNA molecules were processively transported in a linear fashion without observable pausing events. Uncouplers inhibited DNA uptake immediately, suggesting that the transmembrane proton motive force is needed for DNA translocation. We found an uptake rate of 80 ± 10 bp s -1 that was force-independent at external forces <40 pN, indicating that a powerful molecular machine supports DNA transport.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 643-649 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Nature Structural and Molecular Biology |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 1 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Fingerprint
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Cite this
DNA transport into Bacillus subtilis requires proton motive force to generate large molecular forces. / Maier, Berenike; Chen, Ines; Dubnau, David; Sheetz, Michael.
In: Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, Vol. 11, No. 7, 01.07.2004, p. 643-649.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - DNA transport into Bacillus subtilis requires proton motive force to generate large molecular forces
AU - Maier, Berenike
AU - Chen, Ines
AU - Dubnau, David
AU - Sheetz, Michael
PY - 2004/7/1
Y1 - 2004/7/1
N2 - Bacteria can acquire genetic diversity, including antibiotic resistance and virulence traits, by horizontal gene transfer. In particular, many bacteria are naturally competent for uptake of naked DNA from the environment in a process called transformation. Here, we used optical tweezers to demonstrate that the DNA transport machinery in Bacillus subtilis is a force-generating motor. Single DNA molecules were processively transported in a linear fashion without observable pausing events. Uncouplers inhibited DNA uptake immediately, suggesting that the transmembrane proton motive force is needed for DNA translocation. We found an uptake rate of 80 ± 10 bp s -1 that was force-independent at external forces <40 pN, indicating that a powerful molecular machine supports DNA transport.
AB - Bacteria can acquire genetic diversity, including antibiotic resistance and virulence traits, by horizontal gene transfer. In particular, many bacteria are naturally competent for uptake of naked DNA from the environment in a process called transformation. Here, we used optical tweezers to demonstrate that the DNA transport machinery in Bacillus subtilis is a force-generating motor. Single DNA molecules were processively transported in a linear fashion without observable pausing events. Uncouplers inhibited DNA uptake immediately, suggesting that the transmembrane proton motive force is needed for DNA translocation. We found an uptake rate of 80 ± 10 bp s -1 that was force-independent at external forces <40 pN, indicating that a powerful molecular machine supports DNA transport.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=3042555855&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=3042555855&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1038/nsmb783
DO - 10.1038/nsmb783
M3 - Article
VL - 11
SP - 643
EP - 649
JO - Nature Structural and Molecular Biology
JF - Nature Structural and Molecular Biology
SN - 1545-9993
IS - 7
ER -