Identification of a novel DNA element that promotes cell-to-cell transformation in Escherichia coli

► Cell-to-cell transformation, a new transformation type, occurs in Escherichia coli co-culture. ► We have discovered a novel DNA element promoting cell-to-cell transformation. ► This element, termed CTPS, consists of an 88 bp sequence. ► CTPS contains two different 33 bp sequences with partial activity. ► These 33 bp sequences contain short (6-10 bp) repetitive motif-like sequences.