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DivIB, FtsZ and cell division in Bacillus subtilis
S L Rowland1, V L Katis, S R Partridge
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Molecular Microbiology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Bacillus subtilis requires high levels of the cell-division protein DivIB, especially at higher temperatures. DivIB and FtsZ protein accumulation during spore outgrowth is independent of DNA replication initiation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Bacillus subtilis cell-division protein DivIB is found at much higher concentrations than its E. coli homologue FtsQ.
- B. subtilis possesses significantly more DivIB than necessary for normal cell division at moderate temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DivIB abundance in Bacillus subtilis cell division, particularly its temperature sensitivity.
- To determine the relationship between DivIB and FtsZ protein synthesis and DNA replication during spore germination and outgrowth.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of DivIB protein levels in Bacillus subtilis cells under varying temperature conditions.
- Monitoring the accumulation of DivIB and FtsZ during spore outgrowth.
- Investigating the impact of blocking DNA replication on the synthesis of these division proteins.
Main Results:
- DivIB is present at approximately 5000 molecules per cell, 100-fold higher than E. coli FtsQ.
- Elevated DivIB levels are crucial for maintaining cell division rates at high temperatures (47°C).
- The accumulation of DivIB and FtsZ during spore outgrowth is not linked to the initiation of DNA replication.
Conclusions:
- Membrane-bound DivIB likely stabilizes the temperature-sensitive division complex, requiring higher concentrations at elevated temperatures.
- The synthesis of DivIB and FtsZ during early stages of spore outgrowth is independent of the first round of DNA replication.