Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

A novel component of the division site selection system of Bacillus subtilis and a new mode of action for the division inhibitor MinCD

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Robyn Emmins, Dr Richard DanielORCiD, Professor Jeff ErringtonORCiD

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

Cell division in bacteria is governed by a complex cytokinetic machinery in which the key player is a tubulin homologue, FtsZ. Most rod-shaped bacteria divide precisely at mid-cell between segregated sister chromosomes. Selection of the correct site for cell division is thought to be determined by two negative regulatory systems: the nucleoid occlusion system, which prevents division in the vicinity of the chromosomes, and the Min system, which prevents inappropriate division at the cell poles. In Bacillus subtilis recruitment of the division inhibitor MinCD to cell poles depends on DivIVA, and these proteins were thought to be sufficient for Min function. We have now identified a novel component of the division-site selection system, MinJ, which bridges DivIVA and MinD. minJ mutants are impaired in division because MinCD activity is no longer restricted to cell poles. Although MinCD was thought to act specifically on FtsZ assembly, analysis of minJ and divIVA mutants showed that their block in division occurs downstream of FtsZ. The results support a model in which the main function of the Min system lies in allowing only a single round of division per cell cycle, and that MinCD acts at multiple levels to prevent inappropriate division.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Bramkamp M, Emmins R, Weston L, Donovan C, Daniel RA, Errington J

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Molecular Microbiology

Year: 2008

Volume: 70

Issue: 6

Pages: 1556-1569

ISSN (print): 0950-382X

ISSN (electronic): 1365-2958

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06501.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06501.x


Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric


Share