Function
Conjugative DNA transfer (CDT) is a unidirectional process involving the transfer of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) plasmids from a donor to a recipient cell. This mechanism is paramount in the propagation of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors within bacterial populations. TraY, as a component of the relaxosome, plays a crucial role in facilitating a site- and strand-specific cut at the nic site within the origin of transfer (oriT) by the TraI protein. The formation of the relaxosome requires the binding of integration host factor (IHF) and TraY to the oriT region, enabling subsequent TraI binding. Furthermore, TraY positively regulates the expression of tra genes.