Molecular motors for DNA translocation in prokaryotes.
DNA transport is an essential life process. From chromosome separation during cell division or sporulation, to DNA virus ejection or encapsidation, to horizontal gene transfer, it is ubiquitous in all living organisms. Directed DNA translocation is often energetically unfavorable and requires an active process that uses energy, namely the action of molecular motors. In this review we present recent advances in the understanding of three molecular motors involved in DNA transport in prokaryotes, paying special attention to recent studies using single-molecule techniques. We first discuss DNA transport during cell division, then packaging of DNA in phage capsids, and then DNA import during bacterial transformation.
Laboratoire de Physique Statistique, Ecole Normale Supérieure, UMR 8550 CNRS, Universités Pierre et Marie Curie and Paris Diderot, Département de Physique, 24 rue Lhomond, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France. allemand@lps.ens.fr
Jean-François
JF
Allemand
Berenike
B
Maier
Douglas E
DE
Smith
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D001435:Bacteriophages / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D001692:Biological Transport; D002213:Capsid / Q000378:metabolism; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011387:Prokaryotic Cells / Q000378:metabolism*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; D004247:DNA