# Understanding the mechanism of genetic transformation

> **NIH NIH R01** · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $653,392

## Abstract

Natural transformation in bacteria is an important mode of horizontal gene transfer that contributes
to bacterial evolution, including the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. This
proposal will use Bacillus subtilis as a model to address the largely conserved mechanisms that
enable the uptake of environmental DNA. It will address the traversal of transforming DNA through
the cell wall, the translocation of DNA across the cell membrane, and steps during the
recombination of this DNA with the recipient genome. Our studies will provide broad insights into
molecular details of transformation and will bring us closer to the long-term goal of understanding
the mechanism of DNA uptake. Using single molecule and bulk biochemical methods, it is
proposed to investigate the ComFA ATPase that powers translocation to the cytoplasm, together
with its binding partner ComFC. We will investigate CoiA, a conserved protein required for
recombination of transforming DNA with the recipient chromosome that has been neglected,
despite its major role in transformation. Finally, we will test and extend our hypothesis that ComEA
is a force-generating protein that condenses incoming DNA, pulling it into the periplasm. These
aims will be pursued using the tools of cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, single-molecule
biophysics, and structural biology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10979571
- **Project number:** 2R01GM057720-53A1
- **Recipient organization:** RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID A DUBNAU
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $653,392
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1977-06-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10979571

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10979571, Understanding the mechanism of genetic transformation (2R01GM057720-53A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10979571. Licensed CC0.

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