Increasing DNA transfer efficiency by temporary inactivation of host restriction

E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium are widely used bacterial hosts for gene tic manipulation of DNA from prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Introduction of fo reign DNA by electroporation or transduction into E. coli and Salmonella is limited by host restriction of incoming DNA by the racipient cells. Here, we describe a simple method that temporarily inactivates host restriction. allowing high-frequency DNA transfer. This technique might be readily appli ed to a,ride range of bacteria to increase DNA transfer between strains and species.