This family includes the Escherischia coli protein HofP, one of eight genes shown to be required for the utilization of extracellular DNA as a nutrient source in starving conditions, allowing DNA to be the sole source for carbon and energy [1]. Proteins in this entry appear are found only in Enterobacteriaceae.

1: Escherichia coli competence gene homologs are essential for competitive fitness and the use of DNA as a nutrient. Palchevskiy V, Finkel SE; J Bacteriol. 2006;188:3902-3910. PMID:16707682