title: The IncP plasmid-encoded cell envelope-associated DNA transfer complex increases cell permeability.
abstract: IncP-type plasmids are broad-host-range conjugative plasmids. DNA translocation requires DNA transfer-replication functions and additional factors required for mating pair formation (Mpf). The Mpf system is located in the cell membranes and is responsible for DNA transport from the donor to the recipient. The Mpf complex acts as a receptor for IncP-specific phages such as PRD1. In this investigation, we quantify the Mpf complexes on the cell surface by a phage receptor saturation technique. Electrochemical measurements are used to show that the Mpf complex increases cell envelope permeability to lipophilic compounds and ATP. In addition it reduces the ability of the cells to accumulate K+. However, the Mpf complex does not dissipate the membrane voltage. The Mpf complex is rapidly disassembled when intracellular ATP concentration is decreased, as measured by a PRD1 adsorption assay.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biosciences, Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Daugelavicius
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Bamford
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Grahn
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lanka
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Bamford
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D003227:Conjugation, Genetic; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009861:Onium Compounds / Q000378:metabolism; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000378:metabolism; D010957:Plasmids; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000378:metabolism; D017916:Tectiviridae / Q000378:metabolism; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009861:Onium Compounds; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D011991:Receptors, Virus; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D011188:Potassium; C013289:tetraphenylphosphonium