Transformation is a widespread mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria. DNA
uptake to the periplasmic compartment requires a DNA-uptake pilus and the DNA-binding …

Naturally competent bacteria are able to take up exogenous DNA and undergo genetic
transformation. The transport of DNA from the extracellular milieu into the cytoplasm is a …

Transport of DNA across bacterial membranes during natural transformation is a fascinating
and elaborate process. It requires the functional integrity of huge multi‐protein complexes …

Transformation and conjugation permit the passage of DNA through the bacterial
membranes and represent dominant modes for the transfer of genetic information between …

Horizontal gene flow is a driving force for bacterial adaptation. Among the three distinct
mechanisms of gene transfer in bacteria, conjugation, transduction, and transformation, the …

The DNA uptake of naturally competent bacteria has been attributed to the action of DNA
uptake machineries resembling type IV pilus complexes. However, the protein (s) for pulling …

Natural genetic competence, the ability of cells to bind to and to take up exogenous DNA, is
widespread among bacteria and might be an important mechanism for the horizontal …

Natural bacterial transformation involves the internalization and chromosomal integration of
DNA and has now been documented in∼ 80 species. Recent advances have established …

ComEC is a putative channel protein for DNA uptake in Bacillus subtilis and other
genetically transformable bacteria. Membrane topology studies suggest a model of ComEC …

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays an important role in bacterial evolution. It is well
accepted that DNA is pulled/pushed into recipient cells by conserved membrane-associated …