Reversing cell polarity: evidence and hypothesis

The long, rod-shaped cells of myxobacteria are polarized by their gliding engines. At the rear, A-engines push while pili pull the front end forward. An hypothesis is developed whereby both engines are partially dis-assembled, then re-assembled at the opposite pole when cells reverse their movement direction. Reversals are induced by an Mgl G-protein switch that controls engine polarity. The switch is driven by an oscillatory circuit of Frizzy proteins. In growing cells, the circuit gives rise to an occasional reversal that makes swarming possible. Then, as myxobacteria begin fruiting body development, a rising level of C-signal input drives the oscillator and changes the reversal pattern. Cells reverse regularly every eight minutes in traveling waves, the reversal period is then prolonged enabling cells to form streams that enlarge tiny random aggregates into fruiting bodies.