Identification and Characterization of a Novel Competence Gene, <i>comC</i> , Required for DNA Binding and Uptake in <i>Acinetobacter</i> sp. Strain BD413

Abstract

A gene (comC) essential for natural transformation was identified in Acinetobacter sp. strain BD413. ComC has a typical leader sequence and is similar to different type IV pilus assembly factors. A comC mutant (T308) is not able to bind or take up DNA but exhibits a piliation phenotype indistinguishable from the transformation wild type as revealed by electron microscopy.