Endocytosis-like DNA uptake by cell wall-deficient bacteria

Renée Kapteijn, Shraddha Shitut, Dennis Aschmann, Le Zhang, Marit Beer, Deniz Daviran, Rona Roverts, Anat Akiva, Gilles P. Wezel (), Alexander Kros and Dennis Claessen ()
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Renée Kapteijn: Leiden University
Shraddha Shitut: Leiden University
Dennis Aschmann: Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University
Le Zhang: Leiden University
Marit Beer: Radboudumc Technology Center Microscopy
Deniz Daviran: Radboudumc Technology Center Microscopy
Rona Roverts: Radboudumc Technology Center Microscopy
Anat Akiva: Radboudumc Technology Center Microscopy
Gilles P. Wezel: Leiden University
Alexander Kros: Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University
Dennis Claessen: Leiden University

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Horizontal gene transfer in bacteria is widely believed to occur via conjugation, transduction and transformation. These mechanisms facilitate the passage of DNA across the protective cell wall using sophisticated machinery. Here, we report that cell wall-deficient bacteria can engulf DNA and other extracellular material via an endocytosis-like process. Specifically, we show that L-forms of the filamentous actinomycete Kitasatospora viridifaciens can take up plasmid DNA, polysaccharides (dextran) and 150-nm lipid nanoparticles. The process involves invagination of the cytoplasmic membrane, leading to formation of intracellular vesicles that encapsulate extracellular material. DNA uptake is not affected by deletion of genes homologous to comEC and comEA, which are required for natural transformation in other species. However, uptake is inhibited by sodium azide or incubation at 4 °C, suggesting the process is energy-dependent. The encapsulated materials are released into the cytoplasm upon degradation of the vesicle membrane. Given that cell wall-deficient bacteria are considered a model for early life forms, our work reveals a possible mechanism for primordial cells to acquire food or genetic material before invention of the bacterial cell wall.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33054-w

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