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Interference of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell division by Rv2719c, a cell wall hydrolase

Ashwini Chauhan1, Hava Lofton, Erin Maloney

  • 1Biomedical Research, The University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, 11937 US Hwy 271, Tyler, TX 75708-3154, USA.

Molecular Microbiology
|September 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell division is regulated by Rv2719c, a gene whose expression increases under stress. Overexpression of Rv2719c leads to filamentation and reduced viability, suggesting its role in controlling cell division.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The genetic regulation of cell division in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) remains largely uncharacterized.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the gene Rv2719c in the regulation of cell division in M. tuberculosis.
  • To explore the correlation between Rv2719c expression levels and cell division under various conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of M. tuberculosis to DNA damaging agents, cephalexin, and growth in macrophages.
  • Overexpression of Rv2719c and assessment of cell length, viability, and FtsZ ring localization.
  • In vitro characterization of Rv2719c protein activity, including murein hydrolase activity and interaction with FtsZ.
  • Visualization of peptidoglycan synthesis zones using fluoresceinated vancomycin (Van-FL).

Main Results:

  • Exposure to stress conditions (DNA damage, cephalexin, macrophages) increased cell length and Rv2719c expression.
  • Overexpression of Rv2719c caused filamentation, reduced viability, and disrupted FtsZ ring midcell localization.
  • Rv2719c possesses murein hydrolase activity and is targeted to peptidoglycan synthesis sites, affecting FtsZ ring assembly indirectly.
  • Rv2719c levels correlate with cell division, with activity modulated by growth conditions, including in vivo growth.

Conclusions:

  • Rv2719c is a potential regulator of M. tuberculosis cell division.
  • Its expression and activity are modulated by various growth conditions, including stress and intracellular environments.
  • Rv2719c likely controls cell division by indirectly affecting FtsZ-ring assembly through its murein hydrolase activity at peptidoglycan synthesis sites.

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