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FtsW is a dispensable cell division protein required for Z-ring stabilization during sporulation septation in

Bhavesh V Mistry1, Ricardo Del Sol, Chris Wright

  • 1Institute of Life Science, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom.

Journal of Bacteriology
|June 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial cell division relies on the FtsW-FtsI complex for sporulation septum formation in Streptomyces coelicolor. This complex is crucial for Z-ring stabilization during aerial hyphae division.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Bacterial Genetics

Background:

  • The rodA and ftsW genes encode essential membrane proteins for bacterial cell elongation and division, respectively.
  • These genes are typically linked with cognate class B high-molecular-weight penicillin-binding protein (HMW PBP) genes.
  • Streptomyces coelicolor exhibits four such gene pairs, with rodA being essential, unlike its cognate HMW PBP gene.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of ftsW and its cognate ftsI gene in Streptomyces coelicolor cell division.
  • To determine the function of the FtsW-FtsI complex in sporulation septation and Z-ring formation.
  • To explore the specific involvement of the bacterial divisome in nonessential sporulation septation.

Main Methods:

  • Gene disruption of ftsW and ftsI in Streptomyces coelicolor.
  • Analysis of cell division and septum formation in vegetative and aerial hyphae.
  • Microscopic observation of FtsZ ring polymerization and stabilization.

Main Results:

  • Disruption of ftsW or ftsI blocked sporulation septum formation in aerial hyphae.
  • Mutants showed an inability of FtsZ polymers to form rings, indicating a pivotal role for the FtsW-FtsI complex.
  • ftsQ mutants were blocked later in septum closure, and vegetative hyphae completed cross-wall formation in all tested mutants.

Conclusions:

  • The FtsW-FtsI complex plays a critical role in the early stages of sporulation septum formation and Z-ring stabilization in aerial hyphae.
  • The bacterial divisome functions specifically during nonessential sporulation septation in Streptomyces coelicolor.
  • This system allows for in vivo interrogation of individual divisome component functions and dependencies.

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