[Effect of phospholipase on cation-induced transmembrane transport of DNA in Escherichia coli]
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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Transmembrane Domain Oligomerization Propensity determined by ToxR Assay
Published on: May 26, 2011
Abstract:
Incubation of bacterial cells in 0.1 M CaCl2 at 0 degrees C considerably increases the amount of phospholipids susceptible to action of a specific enzyme of phospholipid metabolism phospholipase C (hydrolysis to diacylglycerides). In process of incubation in CaCl2 solutions at 0 degrees C the expressed activity of an endogenous enzyme phospholipase A has been registered in cellular samples. Binding of the enzyme by the cells under conditions unfavourable for phospholipids hydrolysis (0 degrees C) suppresses strongly and reversibly cellular ability to DNA transformation without affecting cellular survival. As calculated, the enzyme molecules cover about 10% of cellular surface while inhibiting 90% of transmembrane transfer. The obtained data are considered to be a solid argument supporting the important role of the membrane phospholipids in the mechanism of cation-induced DNA transfer into the cell.
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