ArticlePLoS genetics2013
A conserved helicase processivity factor is needed for conjugation and replication of an integrative and conjugative element.
Article in PLoS genetics, 2013. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 38 papers.
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Who cites it
38 citing papers in PubMed.
- Type IV secretion systems: reconciling diversity through a unified nomenclature.FEMS microbiology reviews · 2026Review
- Two OB-fold proteins from a Gram-positive conjugative element engage in relaxosome assembly and DNA processing.Nucleic acids research · 2025Article
- An antisense RNA regulates production of DnaA and affects sporulation in Bacillus subtilis.PLoS genetics · 2025Article
- A phage-encoded counter-defense inhibits an NAD-degrading anti-phage defense system.PLoS genetics · 2025Article
- Activation and modulation of the host response to DNA damage by an integrative and conjugative element.Journal of bacteriology · 2025Article
- Transcription termination and antitermination are critical for the fitness and function of the integrative and conjugative element Tn916.PLoS genetics · 2024Article
- Regulation of the SOS response and homologous recombination by an integrative and conjugative element.bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · 2024Article
- Activation and modulation of the host response to DNA damage by an integrative and conjugative element.bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology · 2024Article
- Type II and IV toxin-antitoxin systems coordinately stabilize the integrative and conjugative element of the ICESa2603 family conferring multiple drug resistance in Streptococcus suis.PLoS pathogens · 2024Article
- Characterization of ConE, the VirB4 Homolog of the Integrative and Conjugative Element ICEJournal of bacteriology · 2023Article
- Recipient UvrD helicase is involved in single- to double-stranded DNA conversion during conjugative plasmid transfer.Nucleic acids research · 2023Article
- Conjugation's Toolkit: the Roles of Nonstructural Proteins in Bacterial Sex.Journal of bacteriology · 2023Review
- Timing of integration into the chromosome is critical for the fitness of an integrative and conjugative element and its bacterial host.PLoS genetics · 2023Article
- TnSmu1 is a functional integrative and conjugative element in Streptococcus mutans that when expressed causes growth arrest of host bacteria.Molecular microbiology · 2022Article
- Activation of the integrative and conjugative element Tn916 causes growth arrest and death of host bacteria.PLoS genetics · 2022Article
- Biology and engineering of integrative and conjugative elements: Construction and analyses of hybrid ICEs reveal element functions that affect species-specific efficiencies.PLoS genetics · 2022Article
- Deciphering the genetic network and programmed regulation of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens.Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology · 2022Review
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- Identification, characterization and benefits of an exclusion system in an integrative and conjugative element of Bacillus subtilis.Molecular microbiology · 2019Article
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3 authors.
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Abstract
Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are agents of horizontal gene transfer and have major roles in evolution and acquisition of new traits, including antibiotic resistances. ICEs are found integrated in a host chromosome and can excise and transfer to recipient bacteria via conjugation. Conjugation involves nicking of the ICE origin of transfer (oriT) by the ICE-encoded relaxase and transfer of the nicked single strand of ICE DNA. For ICEBs1 of Bacillus subtilis, nicking of oriT by the ICEBs1 relaxase NicK also initiates rolling circle replication. This autonomous replication of ICEBs1 is critical for stability of the excised element in growing cells. We found a conserved and previously uncharacterized ICE gene that is required for conjugation and replication of ICEBs1. Our results indicate that this gene, helP (formerly ydcP), encodes a helicase processivity factor that enables the host-encoded helicase PcrA to unwind the double-stranded ICEBs1 DNA. HelP was required for both conjugation and replication of ICEBs1, and HelP and NicK were the only ICEBs1 proteins needed for replication from ICEBs1 oriT. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we measured association of HelP, NicK, PcrA, and the host-encoded single-strand DNA binding protein Ssb with ICEBs1. We found that NicK was required for association of HelP and PcrA with ICEBs1 DNA. HelP was required for association of PcrA and Ssb with ICEBs1 regions distal, but not proximal, to oriT, indicating that PcrA needs HelP to progress beyond nicked oriT and unwind ICEBs1. In vitro, HelP directly stimulated the helicase activity of the PcrA homologue UvrD. Our findings demonstrate that HelP is a helicase processivity factor needed for efficient unwinding of ICEBs1 for conjugation and replication. Homologues of HelP and PcrA-type helicases are encoded on many known and putative ICEs. We propose that these factors are essential for ICE conjugation, replication, and genetic stability.
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