Abstract
Broad-host-range (BHR) plasmids developed mechanisms ensuring their stable maintenance in phylogenetically distant hosts. Many BHR conjugative plasmids encode KfrA proteins, alpha-helical, filamentous DNA-binding proteins postulated to play an accessory function in the plasmids’ active partitioning. Lewicka et al. (e01771-20) showed that KfrA encoded by the IncU group plasmid RA3 formed complexes not only with its alpha-helical partner KfrC but also with the segrosome proteins KorB (ParA) and IncC (ParB) and that it enhanced plasmid stability in a species-dependent manner. It was demonstrated that unique interactions of KfrA oligomers with plasmid DNA are required for plasmid maintenance in bacterial populations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
