This entry represents the C-terminal domain of the bacterial DNA helicase TraI (EC:3.6.1.-). TraI is a bifunctional protein that catalyses the unwinding of duplex DNA as well as acts as a sequence-specific DNA trans-esterase, providing the site- and strand-specific nick required to initiate DNA transfer [1]. This domain is essential for conjugative DNA transfer [2].

1: F plasmid conjugative DNA transfer: the TraI helicase activity is essential for DNA strand transfer. Matson SW, Sampson JK, Byrd DR; J Biol Chem 2001;276:2372-2379. PMID:11054423

2: A novel fold in the TraI relaxase-helicase c-terminal domain is essential for conjugative DNA transfer. Guogas LM, Kennedy SA, Lee JH, Redinbo MR; J Mol Biol. 2009;386:554-568. PMID:19136009

3: Cryo-EM Structure of a Relaxase Reveals the Molecular Basis of DNA Unwinding during Bacterial Conjugation. Ilangovan A, Kay CWM, Roier S, El Mkami H, Salvadori E, Zechner EL, Zanetti G, Waksman G; Cell. 2017;169:708-721. PMID:28457609