The dprA gene is required for natural transformation of Helicobacter pylori

Genetic recombination in Helicobacter pylori is believed to be involved in host adaptation of this gastric pathogen and uptake of DNA by natural trans formation can result in changes in virulence factors as well as antigenic v ariation. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in natural transformation we tested two genes with homology to known competence genes (dprA and trGC) f or their role in this process. Insertion mutants in these genes were constr ucted in two different H. pylori strains and their competence by natural tr ansformation was compared to the wild-type. Mutation of the traG homolog di d not reduce competence. Mutation of the dprA gene, however, severely impai red natural transformation both with plasmid and chromosomal DNA. Our data indicate that dprA and comB3 are essential parts of a cormmon pathway for c hromosomal and plasmid transformation. (C) 2000 Federation of European Micr obiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv ed.