# GENETIC RECOMBINATION IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS

> **NIH NIH R01** · PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 1991 · $254,576

## Abstract

Genetic transformation in Bacillus subtilis is a process by which
DNA is taken up and integrated into a homologous recipient
genome, thereby permanently altering the heredity of the cell.
Transformation in this organism is dependent on the development
of the competent state.  Competence is reached during the
stationary phase of growth in specific media.  Thus, the
development of "natural" competence is distinct from competence
in Escherichia coli.  It involves the synthesis of several proteins
and is accompanied by the cessation of DNA replication and the
synthesis of stable RNA.

This project will characterize the molecular events that occur
during the binding, fragmentation, and uptake of donor
transforming DNA.  The physical state of the recipient genome in
the competent cell and during transformation will also be
characterized.  An existing collection of transposon-induced non-
competent mutants will be investigated.  The competence genes
defined by these mutations will be cloned and sequenced.  The
products of these genes will be characterized.  The regulation of
competence gene expression will be investigated, particularly
with regard to the level at which regulation takes place, the
interactions of competence genes, and the sigma factors required
for their expression.  The possibility that competent cells produce
a soluble, extracellular factor required for the development of
competence will be investigated.  Additional competence
deficient mutants will be isolated and characterized, in an
attempt to approach saturation of the competence gene map.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3124694
- **Project number:** 5R01AI010311-21
- **Recipient organization:** PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID A DUBNAU
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1991
- **Award amount:** $254,576
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1977-06-01 → 1992-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3124694

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3124694, GENETIC RECOMBINATION IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS (5R01AI010311-21). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3124694. Licensed CC0.

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