Abstract
The primary component of the sex pilus encoded by IncP (RP4) and Ti plasmids has been identified as a circular pilin protein with a peptide bond between the amino and carboxyl terminus. Here, we review the key experiments that led to this discovery, and the present mechanistic model for pilin-precursor processing and the cyclization reaction. In addition, we discuss the implications for horizontal gene transfer in bacterial conjugation.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Bacterial Proteins / genetics
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Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
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Conjugation, Genetic / genetics*
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Fimbriae Proteins
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Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
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Membrane Proteins / genetics
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Membrane Proteins / metabolism
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Periplasmic Proteins*
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Pili, Sex / genetics*
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Pili, Sex / metabolism*
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Pili, Sex / ultrastructure
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Plasmids / genetics*
Substances
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Bacterial Proteins
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Membrane Proteins
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Periplasmic Proteins
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Fimbriae Proteins