Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
09:51
Purification of a High Molecular Mass Protein in Streptococcus mutans
Published on: September 14, 2019
6.3K
MapZ Forms a Stable Ring Structure That Acts As a Nanotrack for FtsZ Treadmilling in Streptococcus mutans
Yongliang Li1, Shipeng Shao2, Xiao Xu1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Central Laboratory, School and Hospital of Stomatology , Peking University, National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology , 22 Zhonguancun South Road , Haidian District, Beijing 100081 , China.
ACS Nano
|May 30, 2018
Summary
MapZ acts as a stable nanotrack, guiding bacterial cell division. This protein restricts the movement of FtsZ filaments, ensuring accurate placement of the division machinery for proper cell division.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Bacterial cell division relies on precise localization of the FtsZ machinery.
- MapZ is a regulator that helps position the FtsZ ring for cell division in Streptococcaceae.
- The precise mechanism of MapZ's regulatory function remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which MapZ controls the position of the FtsZ ring.
- To elucidate the role of MapZ in guiding FtsZ filament dynamics during bacterial cell division.
Main Methods:
- Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy
- Super-resolution imaging
- Single molecule tracking
Main Results:
- FtsZ filaments exhibit dynamic treadmilling motion in Streptococcus mutans.
- MapZ depletion caused unconstrained FtsZ filament movement and misplacement of the Z ring.
- MapZ forms an immobile, ring-like nanostructure at the division site.
Conclusions:
- MapZ acts as a stable nanotrack, guiding and restricting treadmilling FtsZ filaments.
- This mechanism ensures accurate positioning of the Z ring for bacterial cell division.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
2.2K
Cholinergic agonists or cholinomimetics mimic the action of acetylcholine to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. They are categorized into direct-acting and indirect-acting agents. The direct-acting cholinergic drugs induce the parasympathetic response by directly binding to the muscarinic or nicotine receptors. In comparison, the indirect-acting cholinergic drugs prevent acetylcholine hydrolysis, indirectly contributing to the extended parasympathetic response.
The direct-acting...
The direct-acting...
2.2K
01:18Actin Treadmilling
9.8K
Actin filaments undergo polymerization and depolymerization from either end. The polymerization and depolymerization rates depend on the cytosolic concentration of free G-actins. The polymerization rate is generally higher at the plus or barbed end, while the depolymerization rate is higher at the minus or pointed end. At a steady state, critical concentration describes the concentration of free G-actin monomers at which the polymerization rate at the plus end is equal to that of the...
9.8K
01:29Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
1.0K
Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists are agents that interact with the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the synaptic cleft, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine into choline and acetate. Consequently, the concentration of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft increases. These agonists can be classified into reversible and irreversible inhibitors based on their duration of action.
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...
Reversible inhibitors display short to medium durations of action. Short-acting agents include simple alcohols with...
1.0K
02:11Forces Acting on Chromosomes
4.0K
During mitosis, chromosome movements occur through the interplay of multiple piconewton level forces. In prometaphase, these forces help in chromosome assembly or congression at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to their alignment at the metaphase plate. The forces acting on the chromosomes are space and time-dependent; therefore, they vary with the position of the chromosomes as the cell progresses through mitosis.
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
Microtubules and motor proteins exert two types of forces on...
4.0K
02:34Structural Isomerism
21.7K
Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...
21.7K
01:31Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
1.9K
Direct-acting cholinergic agonists, such as synthetic choline esters and naturally occurring alkaloids, exert their effects by enhancing the actions of acetylcholine and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Synthetic choline esters share structural similarities with acetylcholine. For example, they have a positively charged quaternary ammonium or onium group, contributing to their hydrophilic characteristics. As a result, they are poorly absorbed in the body through oral...
1.9K