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TrwD, a Protein Encoded by the IncW Plasmid R388, Displays an ATP Hydrolase Activity Essential for Bacterial Conjugation

A 1.7-kilobase pair segment from the conjugative transfer region of plasmid R388 DNA was cloned and sequenced. It contained trwD, a gene essential for plasmid R388 conjugation, for expression of the conjugative W-pilus and for sensitivity to phage PRD1. The deduced amino acid sequence of TrwD showed homology to the PulE/VirB11 superfamily of potential ATPases involved in various types of transport processes. A fusion oftrwD with the glutathione S-transferase (GST) was constructed, and the resulting fusion protein was purified from overproducing bacteria. Factor Xa hydrolysis of GST-TrwD and further purification rendered TrwD protein with more than 95% purity. Antibodies raised against TrwD localized it both in the soluble fraction and in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli. TrwD is probably a peripheral outer membrane protein because it could be solubilized by increasing salt concentration to 0.5 mNaCl in the lysis buffer. Both purified GST-TrwD and TrwD could hydrolize ATP. ATPase activity increased 2-fold in the presence of detergent-phospholipid mixed micelles. To study the importance of the nucleotide-binding site, Walker box A (GXXGXGK(T/S)), present in TrwD, the conserved lysine residue was replaced by glutamine. The mutant protein, expressed and purified under the same conditions as the wild type, did not exhibit ATPase activity. TrwD(K203Q) was not able to complement the mutation in trwD of the R388 mutant plasmid, suggesting the essentiality of the ATPase activity of the protein in the conjugative process. Furthermore, the dominant character of this mutation suggested that GST-TrwD(K432Q) was still able to interact either with itself or with other component(s) of the conjugative machinery.

Purification and Some Properties of E.coli α-Haemolysin

E.coli α-haemolysin has been purified following a simple procedure. The protein (110 kDa) exists in the form of large aggregates, held together mainly by hydrophobic forces. In the presence of urea or other chaotropic agents, the size of the aggregates decreases, while the specific activity is increased. α-Haemolysin releases the aqueous contents of phospholipid vesicles, but it does not promote intermixing of vesicle lipids.