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Pushing and pulling in prokaryotic DNA segregation

Kenn Gerdes1, Martin Howard, Florian Szardenings

  • 1Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK. kenn.gerdes@ncl.ac.uk

Cell
|June 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Prokaryotic DNA segregation utilizes three cytoskeletal filaments: ParM, ParA, and TubZ. These systems ensure accurate distribution of genetic material, with ParA being the most common mechanism in bacteria and plasmids.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Prokaryotic DNA segregation is essential for cell division.
  • Cytoskeletal elements play a crucial role in partitioning genetic material.
  • Several types of partitioning (par) loci exist in prokaryotes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanisms of DNA segregation in prokaryotes.
  • To describe the roles of different cytoskeletal filaments in partitioning.
  • To highlight the prevalence and function of various par loci.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of different par loci.
  • Description of cytoskeletal filament dynamics (e.g., dynamic instability, treadmill dynamics).
  • Focus on the protein products of par loci: ParM, ParA, and TubZ.

Main Results:

  • Three main types of prokaryotic DNA segregation systems exist, utilizing actin (ParM), P loop ATPase (ParA), and tubulin (TubZ) homologs.
  • ParM filaments push plasmids apart, similar to mitosis.
  • ParA systems, the most common, distribute plasmids equidistantly.
  • TubZ filaments exhibit rapid treadmill dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Prokaryotes employ diverse, evolutionarily distinct cytoskeletal systems for DNA segregation.
  • Understanding these systems is key to comprehending bacterial cell division and genome stability.
  • ParA-based systems are widespread, indicating their significant role in prokaryotic biology.

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