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Published on: April 15, 2019
CotC-CotU heterodimerization during assembly of the Bacillus subtilis spore coat
Rachele Isticato1, Assunta Pelosi, Rita Zilhão
1Dipartimento di Biologia Strutturale e Funzionale, Università Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy.
Journal of Bacteriology
|December 11, 2007
Summary
Bacillus subtilis spore coat proteins CotC and CotU assemble together on the spore surface. CotH protects these proteins, while CotE facilitates their assembly and interaction.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The Bacillus subtilis spore coat is a protective layer essential for spore survival.
- CotC and CotU are known components of this spore coat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the production, assembly, and interaction of CotC and CotU proteins during Bacillus subtilis sporulation.
- To determine the roles of CotE and CotH in the assembly and function of CotC and CotU.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of protein production and localization in wild-type and mutant Bacillus subtilis strains.
- Investigating protein-protein interactions in heterologous hosts.
Main Results:
- CotC and CotU are produced concurrently and assemble on the developing spore under sigmaK and GerE control.
- The CotU-CotC interaction occurs specifically in Bacillus subtilis.
- CotE is required for CotC and CotU assembly and interaction on the spore surface.
- CotH is necessary for protecting CotC and CotU in the mother cell compartment.
Conclusions:
- CotC and CotU form a stable 23 kDa complex within the Bacillus subtilis spore coat.
- CotH and CotE play distinct but essential roles in the proper localization and assembly of CotC and CotU.
- Understanding these protein interactions provides insight into spore coat formation and function.
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