1
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Royzenblat SK, Freddolino L. Spatio-temporal organization of the E. coli chromosome from base to cellular length scales. EcoSal Plus 2024:eesp00012022. [PMID: 38864557 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0001-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Escherichia coli has been a vital model organism for studying chromosomal structure, thanks, in part, to its small and circular genome (4.6 million base pairs) and well-characterized biochemical pathways. Over the last several decades, we have made considerable progress in understanding the intricacies of the structure and subsequent function of the E. coli nucleoid. At the smallest scale, DNA, with no physical constraints, takes on a shape reminiscent of a randomly twisted cable, forming mostly random coils but partly affected by its stiffness. This ball-of-spaghetti-like shape forms a structure several times too large to fit into the cell. Once the physiological constraints of the cell are added, the DNA takes on overtwisted (negatively supercoiled) structures, which are shaped by an intricate interplay of many proteins carrying out essential biological processes. At shorter length scales (up to about 1 kb), nucleoid-associated proteins organize and condense the chromosome by inducing loops, bends, and forming bridges. Zooming out further and including cellular processes, topological domains are formed, which are flanked by supercoiling barriers. At the megabase-scale both large, highly self-interacting regions (macrodomains) and strong contacts between distant but co-regulated genes have been observed. At the largest scale, the nucleoid forms a helical ellipsoid. In this review, we will explore the history and recent advances that pave the way for a better understanding of E. coli chromosome organization and structure, discussing the cellular processes that drive changes in DNA shape, and what contributes to compaction and formation of dynamic structures, and in turn how bacterial chromatin affects key processes such as transcription and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya K Royzenblat
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lydia Freddolino
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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2
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Alcorlo M, Martínez-Caballero S, Li J, Sham LT, Luo M, Hermoso JA. Modulation of the lytic apparatus by the FtsEX complex within the bacterial division machinery. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38849310 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The FtsEX membrane complex constitutes an essential component of the ABC transporter superfamily, widely distributed among bacterial species. It governs peptidoglycan degradation for cell division, acting as a signal transmitter rather than a substrate transporter. Through the ATPase activity of FtsE, it facilitates signal transmission from the cytosol across the membrane to the periplasm, activating associated peptidoglycan hydrolases. This review concentrates on the latest structural advancements elucidating the architecture of the FtsEX complex and its interplay with lytic enzymes or regulatory counterparts. The revealed three-dimensional structures unveil a landscape wherein a precise array of intermolecular interactions, preserved across diverse bacterial species, afford meticulous spatial and temporal control over the cell division process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Alcorlo
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Blas Cabrera", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Siseth Martínez-Caballero
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Blas Cabrera", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jianwei Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lok-To Sham
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Juan A Hermoso
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Blas Cabrera", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Chen Y, Gu J, Yang B, Yang L, Pang J, Luo Q, Li Y, Li D, Deng Z, Dong C, Dong H, Zhang Z. Structure and activity of the septal peptidoglycan hydrolysis machinery crucial for bacterial cell division. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002628. [PMID: 38814940 PMCID: PMC11139282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The peptidoglycan (PG) layer is a critical component of the bacterial cell wall and serves as an important target for antibiotics in both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The hydrolysis of septal PG (sPG) is a crucial step of bacterial cell division, facilitated by FtsEX through an amidase activation system. In this study, we present the cryo-EM structures of Escherichia coli FtsEX and FtsEX-EnvC in the ATP-bound state at resolutions of 3.05 Å and 3.11 Å, respectively. Our PG degradation assays in E. coli reveal that the ATP-bound conformation of FtsEX activates sPG hydrolysis of EnvC-AmiB, whereas EnvC-AmiB alone exhibits autoinhibition. Structural analyses indicate that ATP binding induces conformational changes in FtsEX-EnvC, leading to significant differences from the apo state. Furthermore, PG degradation assays of AmiB mutants confirm that the regulation of AmiB by FtsEX-EnvC is achieved through the interaction between EnvC-AmiB. These findings not only provide structural insight into the mechanism of sPG hydrolysis and bacterial cell division, but also have implications for the development of novel therapeutics targeting drug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatian Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayue Gu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lili Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinghua Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yirong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Danyang Li
- The Cryo-EM Center, Core facility of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zixin Deng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Changjiang Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haohao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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4
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Gucwa K, Wons E, Wisniewska A, Jakalski M, Dubiak Z, Kozlowski LP, Mruk I. Lethal perturbation of an Escherichia coli regulatory network is triggered by a restriction-modification system's regulator and can be mitigated by excision of the cryptic prophage Rac. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2942-2960. [PMID: 38153127 PMCID: PMC11014345 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial gene regulatory networks orchestrate responses to environmental challenges. Horizontal gene transfer can bring in genes with regulatory potential, such as new transcription factors (TFs), and this can disrupt existing networks. Serious regulatory perturbations may even result in cell death. Here, we show the impact on Escherichia coli of importing a promiscuous TF that has adventitious transcriptional effects within the cryptic Rac prophage. A cascade of regulatory network perturbations occurred on a global level. The TF, a C regulatory protein, normally controls a Type II restriction-modification system, but in E. coli K-12 interferes with expression of the RacR repressor gene, resulting in de-repression of the normally-silent Rac ydaT gene. YdaT is a prophage-encoded TF with pleiotropic effects on E. coli physiology. In turn, YdaT alters expression of a variety of bacterial regulons normally controlled by the RcsA TF, resulting in deficient lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and cell division. At the same time, insufficient RacR repressor results in Rac DNA excision, halting Rac gene expression due to loss of the replication-defective Rac prophage. Overall, Rac induction appears to counteract the lethal toxicity of YdaT. We show here that E. coli rewires its regulatory network, so as to minimize the adverse regulatory effects of the imported C TF. This complex set of interactions may reflect the ability of bacteria to protect themselves by having robust mechanisms to maintain their regulatory networks, and/or suggest that regulatory C proteins from mobile operons are under selection to manipulate their host's regulatory networks for their own benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Gucwa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Ewa Wons
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Wisniewska
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Marcin Jakalski
- 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 7, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Dubiak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Lukasz Pawel Kozlowski
- Institute of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Mruk
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
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5
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Yan D, Xue J, Xiao J, Lyu Z, Yang X. Protocol for single-molecule labeling and tracking of bacterial cell division proteins. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102766. [PMID: 38085639 PMCID: PMC10733747 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a protocol for labeling and tracking individual molecules, particularly cell division proteins in live bacterial cells. The protocol encompasses strain construction, single-molecule imaging, trajectory segmentation, and motion property analysis. The protocol enables the identification of distinctive motion states associated with different cell division proteins. Subsequent assessments of the dynamic behaviors of these proteins provide insights into their activities and interactions at the septum during cell division. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Yang et al. (2021),1 Lyu et al. (2022),2 and Mahone et al. (2024).3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jinchan Xue
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Zhixin Lyu
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Xinxing Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
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6
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Mansky J, Wang H, Wagner-Döbler I, Tomasch J. The effect of site-specific recombinases XerCD on the removal of over-replicated chromosomal DNA through outer membrane vesicles in bacteria. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0234323. [PMID: 38349173 PMCID: PMC10913375 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02343-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are universally produced by Gram-negative bacteria and play important roles in symbiotic and pathogenic interactions. The DNA from the lumen of OMVs from the Alphaproteobacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae was previously shown to be enriched for the region around the terminus of replication ter and specifically for the recognition sequence dif of the two site-specific recombinases XerCD. These enzymes are highly conserved in bacteria and play an important role in the last phase of cell division. Here, we show that a similar enrichment of ter and dif is found in the DNA inside OMVs from Prochlorococcus marinus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, and Escherichia coli. The deletion of xerC or xerD in E. coli reduced the enrichment peak directly at the dif sequence, while the enriched DNA region around ter became broader, demonstrating that either enzyme influences the DNA content inside the lumen of OMVs. We propose that the intra-vesicle DNA originated from over-replication repair and the XerCD enzymes might play a role in this process, providing them with a new function in addition to resolving chromosome dimers.IMPORTANCEImprecise termination of replication can lead to over-replicated parts of bacterial chromosomes that have to be excised and removed from the dividing cell. The underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Our data show that outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from diverse Gram-negative bacteria are enriched for DNA around the terminus of replication ter and the site-specific XerCD recombinases influence this enrichment. Clearing the divisome from over-replicated parts of the bacterial chromosome might be a so far unrecognized and conserved function of OMVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Mansky
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hui Wang
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Irene Wagner-Döbler
- Institute of Microbiology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jürgen Tomasch
- Laboratory of Anoxygenic Phototrophs, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Science–Centre Algatech, Třeboň, Czech Republic
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7
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Nußbaum P, Kureisaite-Ciziene D, Bellini D, van der Does C, Kojic M, Taib N, Yeates A, Tourte M, Gribaldo S, Loose M, Löwe J, Albers SV. Proteins containing photosynthetic reaction centre domains modulate FtsZ-based archaeal cell division. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:698-711. [PMID: 38443575 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01600-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Cell division in all domains of life requires the orchestration of many proteins, but in Archaea most of the machinery remains poorly characterized. Here we investigate the FtsZ-based cell division mechanism in Haloferax volcanii and find proteins containing photosynthetic reaction centre (PRC) barrel domains that play an essential role in archaeal cell division. We rename these proteins cell division protein B 1 (CdpB1) and CdpB2. Depletions and deletions in their respective genes cause severe cell division defects, generating drastically enlarged cells. Fluorescence microscopy of tagged FtsZ1, FtsZ2 and SepF in CdpB1 and CdpB2 mutant strains revealed an unusually disordered divisome that is not organized into a distinct ring-like structure. Biochemical analysis shows that SepF forms a tripartite complex with CdpB1/2 and crystal structures suggest that these two proteins might form filaments, possibly aligning SepF and the FtsZ2 ring during cell division. Overall our results indicate that PRC-domain proteins play essential roles in FtsZ-based cell division in Archaea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Nußbaum
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Dom Bellini
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chris van der Does
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marko Kojic
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Najwa Taib
- Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anna Yeates
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maxime Tourte
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simonetta Gribaldo
- Evolutionary Biology of the Microbial Cell Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Martin Loose
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Jan Löwe
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sonja-Verena Albers
- Molecular Biology of Archaea, Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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8
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Santiago-Collazo G, Brown PJB, Randich AM. The divergent early divisome: is there a functional core? Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:231-240. [PMID: 37741788 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial divisome is a complex nanomachine that drives cell division and separation. The essentiality of these processes leads to the assumption that proteins with core roles will be strictly conserved across all bacterial genomes. However, recent studies in diverse proteobacteria have revealed considerable variation in the early divisome compared with Escherichia coli. While some proteins are highly conserved, their specific functions and interacting partners vary. Meanwhile, different subphyla use clade-specific proteins with analogous functions. Thus, instead of focusing on gene conservation, we must also explore how key functions are maintained during early division by diverging protein networks. An enhanced awareness of these complex genetic networks will clarify the physical and evolutionary constraints of bacterial division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Santiago-Collazo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Pamela J B Brown
- Division of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Amelia M Randich
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, USA.
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9
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Henriksen C, Baek KT, Wacnik K, Gallay C, Veening JW, Foster SJ, Frees D. The ClpX chaperone and a hypermorphic FtsA variant with impaired self-interaction are mutually compensatory for coordinating Staphylococcus aureus cell division. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:98-115. [PMID: 38041395 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial cell division requires the coordinated assembly and disassembly of a large protein complex called the divisome; however, the exact role of molecular chaperones in this critical process remains unclear. We here provide genetic evidence that ClpX unfoldase activity is a determinant for proper coordination of bacterial cell division by showing the growth defect of a Staphylococcus aureus clpX mutant is rescued by a spontaneously acquired G325V substitution in the ATP-binding domain of the essential FtsA cell division protein. The polymerization state of FtsA is thought to control initiation of bacterial septum synthesis and, while restoring the aberrant FtsA dynamics in clpX cells, the FtsAG325V variant displayed reduced ability to interact with itself and other cell division proteins. In wild-type cells, the ftsAG325V allele shared phenotypes with Escherichia coli superfission ftsA mutants and accelerated the cell cycle, increased the risk of daughter cell lysis, and conferred sensitivity to heat and antibiotics inhibiting cell wall synthesis. Strikingly, lethality was mitigated by spontaneous mutations that inactivate ClpX. Taken together, our results suggest that ClpX promotes septum synthesis by antagonizing FtsA interactions and illuminates the critical role of a protein unfoldase in coordinating bacterial cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Henriksen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Disease, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer T Baek
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Disease, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | - Clement Gallay
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jan-Willem Veening
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Simon J Foster
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Dorte Frees
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Disease, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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10
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Niault T, Czarnecki J, Lambérioux M, Mazel D, Val ME. Cell cycle-coordinated maintenance of the Vibrio bipartite genome. EcoSal Plus 2023; 11:eesp00082022. [PMID: 38277776 PMCID: PMC10729929 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0008-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
To preserve the integrity of their genome, bacteria rely on several genome maintenance mechanisms that are co-ordinated with the cell cycle. All members of the Vibrio family have a bipartite genome consisting of a primary chromosome (Chr1) homologous to the single chromosome of other bacteria such as Escherichia coli and a secondary chromosome (Chr2) acquired by a common ancestor as a plasmid. In this review, we present our current understanding of genome maintenance in Vibrio cholerae, which is the best-studied model for bacteria with multi-partite genomes. After a brief overview on the diversity of Vibrio genomic architecture, we describe the specific, common, and co-ordinated mechanisms that control the replication and segregation of the two chromosomes of V. cholerae. Particular attention is given to the unique checkpoint mechanism that synchronizes Chr1 and Chr2 replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théophile Niault
- Bacterial Genome Plasticity Unit, CNRS UMR3525, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jakub Czarnecki
- Bacterial Genome Plasticity Unit, CNRS UMR3525, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Morgan Lambérioux
- Bacterial Genome Plasticity Unit, CNRS UMR3525, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Didier Mazel
- Bacterial Genome Plasticity Unit, CNRS UMR3525, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Eve Val
- Bacterial Genome Plasticity Unit, CNRS UMR3525, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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11
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Liu Z, Cai M, Zhou S, You J, Zhao Z, Liu Z, Xu M, Rao Z. High-efficient production of L-homoserine in Escherichia coli through engineering synthetic pathway combined with regulating cell division. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 389:129828. [PMID: 37806363 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
L-Homoserine is an important amino acid as a precursor in synthesizing many valuable products. However, the low productivity caused by slow L-homoserine production during active cell growth in fermentation hinders its potential applications. In this study, strategies of engineering the synthetic pathway combined with regulating cell division were employed in an L-homoserine-producing Escherichia coli strain for efficiently biomanufacturing L-homoserine. First, the flux-control genes in the L-homoserine degradation pathway were omitted to redistribute carbon flux. To drive more carbon flux into L-homoserine production, the phosphoenolpyruvate-pyruvate-oxaloacetate loop was redrawn. Subsequently, the cell division was engineered by using the self-regulated promoters to coordinate cell growth and L-homoserine production. The ultimate strain HOM23 produced 101.31 g/L L-homoserine with a productivity of 1.91 g/L/h, which presented the highest L-homoserine titer and productivity to date from plasmid-free strains. The strategies used in this study could be applied to constructing cell factories for producing other L-aspartate derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu 214200, China
| | - Mengmeng Cai
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu 214200, China
| | - Siquan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu 214200, China
| | - Jiajia You
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu 214200, China
| | - Zhenqiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu 214200, China
| | - Zuyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu 214200, China
| | - Meijuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu 214200, China
| | - Zhiming Rao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Yixing Institute of Food and Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu 214200, China.
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12
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Valladares A, Picossi S, Corrales-Guerrero L, Herrero A. The role of SepF in cell division and diazotrophic growth in the multicellular cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. Microbiol Res 2023; 277:127489. [PMID: 37716126 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The cyanobacterium Anabaena forms filaments of cells that grow by intercalary cell division producing adjoined daughter cells connected by septal junction protein complexes that provide filament cohesion and intercellular communication, representing a genuine case of bacterial multicellularity. In spite of their diderm character, cyanobacterial genomes encode homologs of SepF, a protein normally found in Gram-positive bacteria. In Anabaena, SepF is an essential protein that localized to the cell division ring and the intercellular septa. Overexpression of sepF had detrimental effects on growth, provoking conspicuous alterations in cell morphology that resemble the phenotype of mutants impaired in cell division, and altered the localization of the division-ring. SepF interacted with FtsZ and with the essential FtsZ tether ZipN. Whereas SepF from unicellular bacteria generally induces the bundling of FtsZ filaments, Anabaena SepF inhibited FtsZ bundling, reducing the thickness of the toroidal aggregates formed by FtsZ alone and eventually preventing FtsZ polymerization. Thus, in Anabaena SepF appears to have an essential role in cell division by limiting the polymerization of FtsZ to allow the correct formation and localization of the Z-ring. Expression of sepF is downregulated during heterocyst differentiation, likely contributing to the inhibition of Z-ring formation in heterocysts. Finally, the localization of SepF in intercellular septa and its interaction with the septal-junction related proteins SepJ and SepI suggest a role of SepF in the formation or stability of the septal complexes that mediate cell-cell adhesion and communication, processes that are key for the multicellular behavior of Anabaena.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Valladares
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - S Picossi
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - L Corrales-Guerrero
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - A Herrero
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
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13
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Velázquez-Suárez C, Springstein BL, Nieves-Morión M, Helbig AO, Kieninger AK, Maldener I, Nürnberg DJ, Stucken K, Luque I, Dagan T, Herrero A. SepT, a novel protein specific to multicellular cyanobacteria, influences peptidoglycan growth and septal nanopore formation in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. mBio 2023; 14:e0098323. [PMID: 37650636 PMCID: PMC10653889 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00983-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Multicellular organization is a requirement for the development of complex organisms, and filamentous cyanobacteria such as Anabaena represent a paradigmatic case of bacterial multicellularity. The Anabaena filament can include hundreds of communicated cells that exchange nutrients and regulators and, depending on environmental conditions, can include different cell types specialized in distinct biological functions. Hence, the specific features of the Anabaena filament and how they are propagated during cell division represent outstanding biological issues. Here, we studied SepT, a novel coiled-coil-rich protein of Anabaena that is located in the intercellular septa and influences the formation of the septal specialized structures that allow communication between neighboring cells along the filament, a fundamental trait for the performance of Anabaena as a multicellular organism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mercedes Nieves-Morión
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Andreas O. Helbig
- AG Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ann-Katrin Kieninger
- Department of Microbiology/Organismic Interactions, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Iris Maldener
- Department of Microbiology/Organismic Interactions, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dennis J. Nürnberg
- Institute of Experimental Physics and Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karina Stucken
- Department of Food Engineering, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile
| | - Ignacio Luque
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Tal Dagan
- Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Antonia Herrero
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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14
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Harpring M, Cox JV. Plasticity in the cell division processes of obligate intracellular bacteria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1205488. [PMID: 37876871 PMCID: PMC10591338 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1205488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Most bacteria divide through a highly conserved process called binary fission, in which there is symmetric growth of daughter cells and the synthesis of peptidoglycan at the mid-cell to enable cytokinesis. During this process, the parental cell replicates its chromosomal DNA and segregates replicated chromosomes into the daughter cells. The mechanisms that regulate binary fission have been extensively studied in several model organisms, including Eschericia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Caulobacter crescentus. These analyses have revealed that a multi-protein complex called the divisome forms at the mid-cell to enable peptidoglycan synthesis and septation during division. In addition, rod-shaped bacteria form a multi-protein complex called the elongasome that drives sidewall peptidoglycan synthesis necessary for the maintenance of rod shape and the lengthening of the cell prior to division. In adapting to their intracellular niche, the obligate intracellular bacteria discussed here have eliminated one to several of the divisome gene products essential for binary fission in E. coli. In addition, genes that encode components of the elongasome, which were mostly lost as rod-shaped bacteria evolved into coccoid organisms, have been retained during the reductive evolutionary process that some coccoid obligate intracellular bacteria have undergone. Although the precise molecular mechanisms that regulate the division of obligate intracellular bacteria remain undefined, the studies summarized here indicate that obligate intracellular bacteria exhibit remarkable plasticity in their cell division processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John V. Cox
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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15
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Hua J, Hua P, Qin K. Highly fluorescent N, F co-doped carbon dots with tunable light emission for multicolor bio-labeling and antibacterial applications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132331. [PMID: 37604034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as potential biomaterials for bioimaging and antimicrobial applications. However, the lack of tunable long-wavelength emission performance and imprecise antibacterial mechanism limit their practical application. Thus, developing versatile CDs that combine outstanding optical performance and excellent antibacterial activity is of great practical significance. Herein, we prepared a novel nitrogen and fluorine co-doped CDs (N, F-CDs) from o-phenylenediamine and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalic acid, which exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield of 52.2%, large Stokes shift of 112 nm, as well tunable multicolor emission light from blue to red region. Thanks to the high biocompatibility and excellent photostability, the N, F-CDs were successfully implemented to multicolor biolabeling of mammalian cells, protozoan cells and plant cells. Moreover, the negatively charged N, F-CDs hold inherent efficient antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). By thoroughly studying the underlying antibacterial mechanisms at the molecular level through real-time quantitative PCR assay, we found the expression of related genes was notably down-regulated, further demonstrated that N, F-CDs against two bacterial strains had distinct target pathways. Our work provides a new reference for developing highly fluorescent multicolor CDs, and may facilitate the design and application of CDs-based nanomaterials in biological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Hua
- College of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China
| | - Peng Hua
- Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650011, China
| | - Kunhao Qin
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China.
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16
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Castanheira S, García-Del Portillo F. Evidence of two differentially regulated elongasomes in Salmonella. Commun Biol 2023; 6:923. [PMID: 37689828 PMCID: PMC10492807 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05308-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell shape is genetically inherited by all forms of life. Some unicellular microbes increase niche adaptation altering shape whereas most show invariant morphology. A universal system of peptidoglycan synthases guided by cytoskeletal scaffolds defines bacterial shape. In rod-shaped bacteria, this system consists of two supramolecular complexes, the elongasome and divisome, which insert cell wall material along major and minor axes. Microbes with invariant shape are thought to use a single morphogenetic system irrespective of the occupied niche. Here, we provide evidence for two elongasomes that generate (rod) shape in the same bacterium. This phenomenon was unveiled in Salmonella, a pathogen that switches between extra- and intracellular lifestyles. The two elongasomes can be purified independently, respond to different environmental cues, and are directed by distinct peptidoglycan synthases: the canonical PBP2 and the pathogen-specific homologue PBP2SAL. The PBP2-elongasome responds to neutral pH whereas that directed by PBP2SAL assembles in acidic conditions. Moreover, the PBP2SAL-elongasome moves at a lower speed. Besides Salmonella, other human, animal, and plant pathogens encode alternative PBPs with predicted morphogenetic functions. Therefore, contrasting the view of morphological plasticity facilitating niche adaptation, some pathogens may have acquired alternative systems to preserve their shape in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Castanheira
- Laboratory of Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB)-CSIC, Darwin 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco García-Del Portillo
- Laboratory of Intracellular Bacterial Pathogens, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB)-CSIC, Darwin 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Alberge F, Lakey BD, Schaub RE, Dohnalkova AC, Lemmer KC, Dillard JP, Noguera DR, Donohue TJ. A previously uncharacterized divisome-associated lipoprotein, DalA, is needed for normal cell division in Rhodobacterales. mBio 2023; 14:e0120323. [PMID: 37389444 PMCID: PMC10470522 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01203-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial cell envelope is a key subcellular compartment with important roles in antibiotic resistance, nutrient acquisition, and cell morphology. We seek to gain a better understanding of proteins that contribute to the function of the cell envelope in Alphaproteobacteria. Using Rhodobacter sphaeroides, we show that a previously uncharacterized protein, RSP_1200, is an outer membrane (OM) lipoprotein that non-covalently binds peptidoglycan (PG). Using a fluorescently tagged version of this protein, we find that RSP_1200 undergoes a dynamic repositioning during the cell cycle and is enriched at the septum during cell division. We show that the position of RSP_1200 mirrors the location of FtsZ rings, leading us to propose that RSP_1200 is a newly identified component of the R. sphaeroides' divisome. Additional support for this hypothesis includes the co-precipitation of RSP_1200 with FtsZ, the Pal protein, and several predicted PG L,D-transpeptidases. We also find that a ∆RSP_1200 mutation leads to defects in cell division, sensitivity to PG-active antibiotics, and results in the formation of OM protrusions at the septum during cell division. Based on these results, we propose to name RSP_1200 DalA (for division-associated lipoprotein A) and postulate that DalA serves as a scaffold to position or modulate the activity of PG transpeptidases that are needed to form envelope invaginations during cell division. We find that DalA homologs are present in members of the Rhodobacterales order within Alphaproteobacteria. Therefore, we propose that further analysis of this and related proteins will increase our understanding of the macromolecular machinery and proteins that participate in cell division in Gram-negative bacteria. IMPORTANCE Multi-protein complexes of the bacterial cell envelope orchestrate key processes like growth, division, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and production of valuable compounds. The subunits of these protein complexes are well studied in some bacteria, and differences in their composition and function are linked to variations in cell envelope composition, shape, and proliferation. However, some envelope protein complex subunits have no known homologs across the bacterial phylogeny. We find that Rhodobacter sphaeroides RSP_1200 is a newly identified lipoprotein (DalA) and that loss of this protein causes defects in cell division and changes the sensitivity to compounds, affecting cell envelope synthesis and function. We find that DalA forms a complex with proteins needed for cell division, binds the cell envelope polymer peptidoglycan, and colocalizes with enzymes involved in the assembly of this macromolecule. The analysis of DalA provides new information on the cell division machinery in this and possibly other Alphaproteobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Alberge
- />Wisconsin Energy Institute, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bryan D. Lakey
- />Wisconsin Energy Institute, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ryan E. Schaub
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alice C. Dohnalkova
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA
| | | | - Joseph P. Dillard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel R. Noguera
- />Wisconsin Energy Institute, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Timothy J. Donohue
- />Wisconsin Energy Institute, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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18
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Britton BM, Yovanno RA, Costa SF, McCausland J, Lau AY, Xiao J, Hensel Z. Conformational changes in the essential E. coli septal cell wall synthesis complex suggest an activation mechanism. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4585. [PMID: 37524712 PMCID: PMC10390529 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39921-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacterial divisome is a macromolecular machine composed of more than 30 proteins that controls cell wall constriction during division. Here, we present a model of the structure and dynamics of the core complex of the E. coli divisome, supported by a combination of structure prediction, molecular dynamics simulation, single-molecule imaging, and mutagenesis. We focus on the septal cell wall synthase complex formed by FtsW and FtsI, and its regulators FtsQ, FtsL, FtsB, and FtsN. The results indicate extensive interactions in four regions in the periplasmic domains of the complex. FtsQ, FtsL, and FtsB support FtsI in an extended conformation, with the FtsI transpeptidase domain lifted away from the membrane through interactions among the C-terminal domains. FtsN binds between FtsI and FtsL in a region rich in residues with superfission (activating) and dominant negative (inhibitory) mutations. Mutagenesis experiments and simulations suggest that the essential domain of FtsN links FtsI and FtsL together, potentially modulating interactions between the anchor-loop of FtsI and the putative catalytic cavity of FtsW, thus suggesting a mechanism of how FtsN activates the cell wall synthesis activities of FtsW and FtsI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke M Britton
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Remy A Yovanno
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sara F Costa
- ITQB NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Joshua McCausland
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Albert Y Lau
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Zach Hensel
- ITQB NOVA, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Av. da República, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.
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19
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Izquierdo-Martinez A, Billini M, Miguel-Ruano V, Hernández-Tamayo R, Richter P, Biboy J, Batuecas MT, Glatter T, Vollmer W, Graumann PL, Hermoso JA, Thanbichler M. DipM controls multiple autolysins and mediates a regulatory feedback loop promoting cell constriction in Caulobacter crescentus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4095. [PMID: 37433794 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39783-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins with a catalytically inactive LytM-type endopeptidase domain are important regulators of cell wall-degrading enzymes in bacteria. Here, we study their representative DipM, a factor promoting cell division in Caulobacter crescentus. We show that the LytM domain of DipM interacts with multiple autolysins, including the soluble lytic transglycosylases SdpA and SdpB, the amidase AmiC and the putative carboxypeptidase CrbA, and stimulates the activities of SdpA and AmiC. Its crystal structure reveals a conserved groove, which is predicted to represent the docking site for autolysins by modeling studies. Mutations in this groove indeed abolish the function of DipM in vivo and its interaction with AmiC and SdpA in vitro. Notably, DipM and its targets SdpA and SdpB stimulate each other's recruitment to midcell, establishing a self-reinforcing cycle that gradually increases autolytic activity as cytokinesis progresses. DipM thus coordinates different peptidoglycan-remodeling pathways to ensure proper cell constriction and daughter cell separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Izquierdo-Martinez
- Department of Biology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Max Planck Fellow Group Bacterial Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
- Bacterial Cell Biology, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Maria Billini
- Department of Biology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Vega Miguel-Ruano
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Rocasolano", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio Hernández-Tamayo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Marburg, Germany
| | - Pia Richter
- Department of Biology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jacob Biboy
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - María T Batuecas
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Rocasolano", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Timo Glatter
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter L Graumann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Marburg, Germany
| | - Juan A Hermoso
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Instituto de Química-Física "Rocasolano", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin Thanbichler
- Department of Biology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- Max Planck Fellow Group Bacterial Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany.
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Marburg, Germany.
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20
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Galinier A, Delan-Forino C, Foulquier E, Lakhal H, Pompeo F. Recent Advances in Peptidoglycan Synthesis and Regulation in Bacteria. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050720. [PMID: 37238589 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria must synthesize their cell wall and membrane during their cell cycle, with peptidoglycan being the primary component of the cell wall in most bacteria. Peptidoglycan is a three-dimensional polymer that enables bacteria to resist cytoplasmic osmotic pressure, maintain their cell shape and protect themselves from environmental threats. Numerous antibiotics that are currently used target enzymes involved in the synthesis of the cell wall, particularly peptidoglycan synthases. In this review, we highlight recent progress in our understanding of peptidoglycan synthesis, remodeling, repair, and regulation in two model bacteria: the Gram-negative Escherichia coli and the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. By summarizing the latest findings in this field, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of peptidoglycan biology, which is critical for our understanding of bacterial adaptation and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Galinier
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, UMR 7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS/Aix-Marseille Univ, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Clémentine Delan-Forino
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, UMR 7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS/Aix-Marseille Univ, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Elodie Foulquier
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, UMR 7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS/Aix-Marseille Univ, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Hakima Lakhal
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, UMR 7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS/Aix-Marseille Univ, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Frédérique Pompeo
- Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne, UMR 7283, Institut de Microbiologie de la Méditerranée, CNRS/Aix-Marseille Univ, 31 Chemin Joseph Aiguier, 13009 Marseille, France
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21
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Bailoni E, Partipilo M, Coenradij J, Grundel DAJ, Slotboom DJ, Poolman B. Minimal Out-of-Equilibrium Metabolism for Synthetic Cells: A Membrane Perspective. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:922-946. [PMID: 37027340 PMCID: PMC10127287 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Life-like systems need to maintain a basal metabolism, which includes importing a variety of building blocks required for macromolecule synthesis, exporting dead-end products, and recycling cofactors and metabolic intermediates, while maintaining steady internal physical and chemical conditions (physicochemical homeostasis). A compartment, such as a unilamellar vesicle, functionalized with membrane-embedded transport proteins and metabolic enzymes encapsulated in the lumen meets these requirements. Here, we identify four modules designed for a minimal metabolism in a synthetic cell with a lipid bilayer boundary: energy provision and conversion, physicochemical homeostasis, metabolite transport, and membrane expansion. We review design strategies that can be used to fulfill these functions with a focus on the lipid and membrane protein composition of a cell. We compare our bottom-up design with the equivalent essential modules of JCVI-syn3a, a top-down genome-minimized living cell with a size comparable to that of large unilamellar vesicles. Finally, we discuss the bottlenecks related to the insertion of a complex mixture of membrane proteins into lipid bilayers and provide a semiquantitative estimate of the relative surface area and lipid-to-protein mass ratios (i.e., the minimal number of membrane proteins) that are required for the construction of a synthetic cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Bailoni
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular
Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh
4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Partipilo
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular
Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh
4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jelmer Coenradij
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular
Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh
4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe A. J. Grundel
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular
Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh
4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J. Slotboom
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular
Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh
4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bert Poolman
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Systems Biology, Groningen Biomolecular
Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University
of Groningen, Nijenborgh
4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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22
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Chen YW, Kong WP, Wong KY. The structural integrity of the membrane-embedded bacterial division complex FtsQBL studied with molecular dynamics simulations. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2602-2612. [PMID: 37114213 PMCID: PMC10126914 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The FtsQBL is an essential molecular complex sitting midway through bacterial divisome assembly. To visualize and understand its structure, and the consequences of its membrane anchorage, we produced a model of the E. coli complex using the deep-learning prediction utility, AlphaFold 2. The heterotrimeric model was inserted into a 3-lipid model membrane and subjected to a 500-ns atomistic molecular dynamics simulation. The model is superb in quality and captures most experimentally derived structural features, at both the secondary structure and the side-chain levels. The model consists of a uniquely interlocking module contributed by the C-terminal regions of all three proteins. The functionally important constriction control domain residues of FtsB and FtsL are located at a fixed vertical position of ∼43-49 Å from the membrane surface. While the periplasmic domains of all three proteins are well-defined and rigid, the single transmembrane helices of each are flexible and their collective twisting and bending contribute to most structural variations, according to principal component analysis. Considering FtsQ only, the protein is more flexible in its free state relative to its complexed state-with the biggest structural changes located at the elbow between the transmembrane helix and the α-domain. The disordered N-terminal domains of FtsQ and FtsL associate with the cytoplasmic surface of the inner membrane instead of freely venturing into the solvent. Contact network analysis highlighted the formation of the interlocking trimeric module in FtsQBL as playing a central role in mediating the overall structure of the complex.
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23
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Models versus pathogens: how conserved is the FtsZ in bacteria? Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232502. [PMID: 36695643 PMCID: PMC9939409 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20221664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Combating anti-microbial resistance by developing alternative strategies is the need of the hour. Cell division, particularly FtsZ, is being extensively studied for its potential as an alternative target for anti-bacterial therapy. Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli are the two well-studied models for research on FtsZ, the leader protein of the cell division machinery. As representatives of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, respectively, these organisms have provided an extensive outlook into the process of cell division in rod-shaped bacteria. However, research on other shapes of bacteria, like cocci and ovococci, lags behind that of model rods. Even though most regions of FtsZ show sequence and structural conservation throughout bacteria, the differences in FtsZ functioning and interacting partners establish several different modes of division in different bacteria. In this review, we compare the features of FtsZ and cell division in the model rods B. subtilis and E. coli and the four pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Reviewing several recent articles on these pathogenic bacteria, we have highlighted the functioning of FtsZ, the unique roles of FtsZ-associated proteins, and the cell division processes in them. Further, we provide a detailed look at the anti-FtsZ compounds discovered and their target bacteria, emphasizing the need for elucidation of the anti-FtsZ mechanism of action in different bacteria. Current challenges and opportunities in the ongoing journey of identifying potent anti-FtsZ drugs have also been described.
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Du RL, Chow HY, Chen YW, Chan PH, Daniel RA, Wong KY. Gossypol acetate: A natural polyphenol derivative with antimicrobial activities against the essential cell division protein FtsZ. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1080308. [PMID: 36713210 PMCID: PMC9878342 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1080308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has attracted worldwide attention and remains an urgent issue to resolve. Discovery of novel compounds is regarded as one way to circumvent the development of resistance and increase the available treatment options. Gossypol is a natural polyphenolic aldehyde, and it has attracted increasing attention as a possible antibacterial drug. In this paper, we studied the antimicrobial properties (minimum inhibitory concentrations) of gossypol acetate against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains and dig up targets of gossypol acetate using in vitro assays, including studying its effects on functions (GTPase activity and polymerization) of Filamenting temperature sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) and its interactions with FtsZ using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and in vivo assays, including visualization of cell morphologies and proteins localizations using a microscope. Lastly, Bacterial membrane permeability changes were studied, and the cytotoxicity of gossypol acetate was determined. We also estimated the interactions of gossypol acetate with the promising target. We found that gossypol acetate can inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria such as the model organism Bacillus subtilis and the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus [both methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA)]. In addition, gossypol acetate can also inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria when the outer membrane is permeabilized by Polymyxin B nonapeptide (PMBN). Using a cell biological approach, we show that gossypol acetate affects cell division in bacteria by interfering with the assembly of the cell division FtsZ ring. Biochemical analysis shows that the GTPase activity of FtsZ was inhibited and polymerization of FtsZ was enhanced in vitro, consistent with the block to cell division in the bacteria tested. The binding mode of gossypol acetate in FtsZ was modeled using molecular docking and provides an understanding of the compound mode of action. The results point to gossypol (S2303) as a promising antimicrobial compound that inhibits cell division by affecting FtsZ polymerization and has potential to be developed into an effective antimicrobial drug by chemical modification to minimize its cytotoxic effects in eukaryotic cells that were identified in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Lan Du
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ho-Yin Chow
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu Wei Chen
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pak-Ho Chan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Richard A. Daniel
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom,Richard A. Daniel,
| | - Kwok-Yin Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Kwok-Yin Wong,
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25
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Kaur H, Lynn AM. Mapping the FtsQBL divisome components in bacterial NTD pathogens as potential drug targets. Front Genet 2023; 13:1010870. [PMID: 36685953 PMCID: PMC9846249 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1010870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis is an essential process in bacterial cell division, and it involves more than 25 essential/non-essential cell division proteins that form a protein complex known as a divisome. Central to the divisome are the proteins FtsB and FtsL binding to FtsQ to form a complex FtsQBL, which helps link the early proteins with late proteins. The FtsQBL complex is highly conserved as a component across bacteria. Pathogens like Vibrio cholerae, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Mycobacterium leprae, and Chlamydia trachomatis are the causative agents of the bacterial Neglected Tropical Diseases Cholera, Buruli ulcer, Leprosy, and Trachoma, respectively, some of which seemingly lack known homologs for some of the FtsQBL complex proteins. In the absence of experimental characterization, either due to insufficient resources or the massive increase in novel sequences generated from genomics, functional annotation is traditionally inferred by sequence similarity to a known homolog. With the advent of accurate protein structure prediction methods, features both at the fold level and at the protein interaction level can be used to identify orthologs that cannot be unambiguously identified using sequence similarity methods. Using the FtsQBL complex proteins as a case study, we report potential remote homologs using Profile Hidden Markov models and structures predicted using AlphaFold. Predicted ortholog structures show conformational similarity with corresponding E. coli proteins irrespective of their level of sequence similarity. Alphafold multimer was used to characterize remote homologs as FtsB or FtsL, when they were not sufficiently distinguishable at both the sequence or structure level, as their interactions with FtsQ and FtsW play a crucial role in their function. The structures were then analyzed to identify functionally critical regions of the proteins consistent with their homologs and delineate regions potentially useful for inhibitor discovery.
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Yagüe P, Willemse J, Xiao X, Zhang L, Manteca A, van Wezel GP. FtsZ phosphorylation pleiotropically affects Z-ladder formation, antibiotic production, and morphogenesis in Streptomyces coelicolor. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2023; 116:1-19. [PMID: 36383329 PMCID: PMC9823044 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-022-01778-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The GTPase FtsZ forms the cell division scaffold in bacteria, which mediates the recruitment of the other components of the divisome. Streptomycetes undergo two different forms of cell division. Septa without detectable peptidoglycan divide the highly compartmentalised young hyphae during early vegetative growth, and cross-walls are formed that dissect the hyphae into long multinucleoid compartments in the substrate mycelium, while ladders of septa are formed in the aerial hyphae that lead to chains of uninucleoid spores. In a previous study, we analysed the phosphoproteome of Streptomyces coelicolor and showed that FtsZ is phosphorylated at Ser 317 and Ser389. Substituting Ser-Ser for either Glu-Glu (mimicking phosphorylation) or Ala-Ala (mimicking non-phosphorylation) hinted at changes in antibiotic production. Here we analyse development, colony morphology, spore resistance, and antibiotic production in FtsZ knockout mutants expressing FtsZ alleles mimicking Ser319 and Ser387 phosphorylation and non-phosphorylation: AA (no phosphorylation), AE, EA (mixed), and EE (double phosphorylation). The FtsZ-eGFP AE, EA and EE alleles were not able to form observable FtsZ-eGFP ladders when they were expressed in the S. coelicolor wild-type strain, whereas the AA allele could form apparently normal eGFP Z-ladders. The FtsZ mutant expressing the FtsZ EE or EA or AE alleles is able to sporulate indicating that the mutant alleles are able to form functional Z-rings leading to sporulation when the wild-type FtsZ gene is absent. The four mutants were pleiotropically affected in colony morphogenesis, antibiotic production, substrate mycelium differentiation and sporulation (sporulation timing and spore resistance) which may be an indirect result of the effect in sporulation Z-ladder formation. Each mutant showed a distinctive phenotype in antibiotic production, single colony morphology, and sporulation (sporulation timing and spore resistance) indicating that the different FtsZ phosphomimetic alleles led to different phenotypes. Taken together, our data provide evidence for a pleiotropic effect of FtsZ phosphorylation in colony morphology, antibiotic production, and sporulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Yagüe
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, PO Box 9505, 2300 AB Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Willemse
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, PO Box 9505, 2300 AB Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Xiansha Xiao
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, PO Box 9505, 2300 AB Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Le Zhang
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, PO Box 9505, 2300 AB Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angel Manteca
- grid.10863.3c0000 0001 2164 6351Departamento de Biología Funcional e IUOPA, Área de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Gilles P. van Wezel
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, PO Box 9505, 2300 AB Leiden, The Netherlands
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27
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McCoy KM, Fritzsching KJ, McDermott AE. GTP-Bound Escherichia coli FtsZ Filaments Are Composed of Tense Monomers: a Dynamic Nuclear Polarization-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study Using Interface Detection. mBio 2022; 13:e0235822. [PMID: 36214571 PMCID: PMC9765660 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02358-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
FtsZ filaments are the major structural component of the bacterial Z ring and are drivers of bacterial division. Crystal structures for FtsZ from some Gram-positive bacteria in the presence of GTP analogs suggest the possibility of a high-energy, "tense" conformation. It remains important to elucidate whether this tense form is the dominant form in filaments. Using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and differential isotopic labeling, we directly detected residues located at the intermonomer interface of GTP-bound wild-type (WT) Escherichia coli FtsZ filaments. We combined chemical shift prediction, homology modeling, and heteronuclear dipolar recoupling techniques to characterize the E. coli FtsZ filament interface and demonstrated that the monomers in active filaments assume a tense conformation. IMPORTANCE Bacterial replication is dependent on the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ, which forms filaments that scaffold and recruit other essential division proteins. While the FtsZ monomer is well studied across organisms, many questions remain about how the filaments form and function. Recently, a second monomer form was identified in Staphylococcus aureus that has far-reaching implications for FtsZ structure and function. However, to date, this form has not been directly observed outside S. aureus. In this study, we used solid-state NMR and dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) to directly study the filaments of E. coli FtsZ to demonstrate that E. coli FtsZ filaments are primarily composed of this second, "tense" form of the monomer. This work is the first time GTP-bound, wild-type FtsZ filaments have been studied directly at atomic resolution and is an important step forward for the study of FtsZ filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M. McCoy
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Ann E. McDermott
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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28
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MipZ caps the plus-end of FtsZ polymers to promote their rapid disassembly. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208227119. [PMID: 36490318 PMCID: PMC9897490 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208227119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal regulation of cell division is a fundamental issue in cell biology. Bacteria have evolved a variety of different systems to achieve proper division site placement. In many cases, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still incompletely understood. In this study, we investigate the function of the cell division regulator MipZ from Caulobacter crescentus, a P-loop ATPase that inhibits the polymerization of the treadmilling tubulin homolog FtsZ near the cell poles, thereby limiting the assembly of the cytokinetic Z ring to the midcell region. We show that MipZ interacts with FtsZ in both its monomeric and polymeric forms and induces the disassembly of FtsZ polymers in a manner that is not dependent but enhanced by the FtsZ GTPase activity. Using a combination of biochemical and genetic approaches, we then map the MipZ-FtsZ interaction interface. Our results reveal that MipZ employs a patch of surface-exposed hydrophobic residues to interact with the C-terminal region of the FtsZ core domain. In doing so, it sequesters FtsZ monomers and caps the (+)-end of FtsZ polymers, thereby promoting their rapid disassembly. We further show that MipZ influences the conformational dynamics of interacting FtsZ molecules, which could potentially contribute to modulating their assembly kinetics. Together, our findings show that MipZ uses a combination of mechanisms to control FtsZ polymerization, which may be required to robustly regulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of Z ring assembly within the cell.
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29
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Abell-King C, Costas A, Duggin IG, Söderström B. Bacterial filamentation during urinary tract infections. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010950. [PMID: 36454736 PMCID: PMC9714745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Abell-King
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, ULTIMO, Australia
| | - Ariana Costas
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, ULTIMO, Australia
| | - Iain G. Duggin
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, ULTIMO, Australia
| | - Bill Söderström
- Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection, University of Technology Sydney, ULTIMO, Australia
- * E-mail:
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30
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In vitro studies of the protein-interaction network of cell-wall lytic transglycosylase RlpA of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1314. [PMID: 36451021 PMCID: PMC9712689 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04230-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein networks of cell-wall-biosynthesis assemblies are largely unknown. A key class of enzymes in these assemblies is the lytic transglycosylases (LTs), of which eleven exist in P. aeruginosa. We have undertaken a pulldown strategy in conjunction with mass-spectrometry-based proteomics to identify the putative binding partners for the eleven LTs of P. aeruginosa. A total of 71 putative binding partners were identified for the eleven LTs. A systematic assessment of the binding partners of the rare lipoprotein A (RlpA), one of the pseudomonal LTs, was made. This 37-kDa lipoprotein is involved in bacterial daughter-cell separation by an unknown process. RlpA participates in both the multi-protein and multi-enzyme divisome and elongasome assemblies. We reveal an extensive protein-interaction network for RlpA involving at least 19 proteins. Their kinetic parameters for interaction with RlpA were assessed by microscale thermophoresis, surface-plasmon resonance, and isothermal-titration calorimetry. Notable RlpA binding partners include PBP1b, PBP4, and SltB1. Elucidation of the protein-interaction networks for each of the LTs, and specifically for RlpA, opens opportunities for the study of their roles in the complex protein assemblies intimately involved with the cell wall as a structural edifice critical for bacterial survival.
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31
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Nierhaus T, McLaughlin SH, Bürmann F, Kureisaite-Ciziene D, Maslen SL, Skehel JM, Yu CWH, Freund SMV, Funke LFH, Chin JW, Löwe J. Bacterial divisome protein FtsA forms curved antiparallel double filaments when binding to FtsN. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1686-1701. [PMID: 36123441 PMCID: PMC7613929 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01206-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
During bacterial cell division, filaments of tubulin-like FtsZ form the Z-ring, which is the cytoplasmic scaffold for divisome assembly. In Escherichia coli, the actin homologue FtsA anchors the Z-ring to the membrane and recruits divisome components, including bitopic FtsN. FtsN regulates the periplasmic peptidoglycan synthase FtsWI. To characterize how FtsA regulates FtsN, we applied electron microscopy to show that E. coli FtsA forms antiparallel double filaments on lipid monolayers when bound to the cytoplasmic tail of FtsN. Using X-ray crystallography, we demonstrate that Vibrio maritimus FtsA crystallizes as an equivalent double filament. We identified an FtsA-FtsN interaction site in the IA-IC interdomain cleft of FtsA using X-ray crystallography and confirmed that FtsA forms double filaments in vivo by site-specific cysteine cross-linking. FtsA-FtsN double filaments reconstituted in or on liposomes prefer negative Gaussian curvature, like those of MreB, the actin-like protein of the elongasome. We propose that curved antiparallel FtsA double filaments together with treadmilling FtsZ filaments organize septal peptidoglycan synthesis in the division plane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Nierhaus
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sarah L Maslen
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - J Mark Skehel
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Conny W H Yu
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Jason W Chin
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jan Löwe
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
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32
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Lyu Z, Yahashiri A, Yang X, McCausland JW, Kaus GM, McQuillen R, Weiss DS, Xiao J. FtsN maintains active septal cell wall synthesis by forming a processive complex with the septum-specific peptidoglycan synthases in E. coli. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5751. [PMID: 36180460 PMCID: PMC9525312 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
FtsN plays an essential role in promoting the inward synthesis of septal peptidoglycan (sPG) by the FtsWI complex during bacterial cell division. How it achieves this role is unclear. Here we use single-molecule tracking to investigate FtsN's dynamics during sPG synthesis in E. coli. We show that septal FtsN molecules move processively at ~9 nm s-1, the same as FtsWI molecules engaged in sPG synthesis (termed sPG-track), but much slower than the ~30 nm s-1 speed of inactive FtsWI molecules coupled to FtsZ's treadmilling dynamics (termed FtsZ-track). Importantly, processive movement of FtsN is exclusively coupled to sPG synthesis and is required to maintain active sPG synthesis by FtsWI. Our findings indicate that FtsN is part of the FtsWI sPG synthesis complex, and that while FtsN is often described as a "trigger" for the initiation for cell wall constriction, it must remain part of the processive FtsWI complex to maintain sPG synthesis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Lyu
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Atsushi Yahashiri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Xinxing Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Joshua W McCausland
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Gabriela M Kaus
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ryan McQuillen
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - David S Weiss
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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33
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Navarro PP, Vettiger A, Ananda VY, Llopis PM, Allolio C, Bernhardt TG, Chao LH. Cell wall synthesis and remodelling dynamics determine division site architecture and cell shape in Escherichia coli. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:1621-1634. [PMID: 36097171 PMCID: PMC9519445 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial division apparatus catalyses the synthesis and remodelling of septal peptidoglycan (sPG) to build the cell wall layer that fortifies the daughter cell poles. Understanding of this essential process has been limited by the lack of native three-dimensional views of developing septa. Here, we apply state-of-the-art cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET) and fluorescence microscopy to visualize the division site architecture and sPG biogenesis dynamics of the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. We identify a wedge-like sPG structure that fortifies the ingrowing septum. Experiments with strains defective in sPG biogenesis revealed that the septal architecture and mode of division can be modified to more closely resemble that of other Gram-negative (Caulobacter crescentus) or Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, suggesting that a conserved mechanism underlies the formation of different septal morphologies. Finally, analysis of mutants impaired in amidase activation (ΔenvC ΔnlpD) showed that cell wall remodelling affects the placement and stability of the cytokinetic ring. Taken together, our results support a model in which competition between the cell elongation and division machineries determines the shape of cell constrictions and the poles they form. They also highlight how the activity of the division system can be modulated to help generate the diverse array of shapes observed in the bacterial domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula P Navarro
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Vettiger
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Virly Y Ananda
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Christoph Allolio
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Mathematical Institute, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas G Bernhardt
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Luke H Chao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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34
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Kitaguchi Y, Tei H, Uriu K. Cell size homeostasis under the circadian regulation of cell division in cyanobacteria. J Theor Biol 2022; 553:111260. [PMID: 36057343 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial cells maintain their characteristic cell size over many generations. Several rod-shaped bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and the cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus, divide after adding a constant length to their length at birth. Through this division control known as the adder mechanism, perturbation in cell length due to physiological fluctuation decays over generations at a rate of 2-1 per cell division. However, previous experiments have shown that the circadian clock in cyanobacteria reduces cell division frequency at a specific time of day under constant light. This circadian gating should modulate the division control by the adder mechanism, but its significance remains unknown. Here we address how the circadian gating affects cell length, doubling time, and cell length stability in cyanobacteria by using mathematical models. We show that a cell subject to circadian gating grows for a long time, and gives birth to elongated daughter cells. These elongated daughter cells grow faster than the previous generation, as elongation speed is proportional to cell length and divide in a short time before the next gating. Hence, the distributions of doubling time and cell length become bimodal, as observed in experimental data. Interestingly, the average doubling time over the population of cells is independent of gating because the extension of doubling time by gating is compensated by its reduction in the subsequent generation. On the other hand, average cell length is increased by gating, suggesting that the circadian clock controls cell length. We then show that the decay rate of perturbation in cell length depends on the ratio of delay in division by the gating τG to the average doubling time τ0 as [Formula: see text] . We estimated τG≈2.5, τ0≈13.6 hours, and τG/τ0≈0.18 from experimental data, indicating that a long doubling time in cyanobacteria maintains the decay rate similar to that of the adder mechanism. Thus, our analysis suggests that the acquisition of the circadian clock during evolution did not impose a constraint on cell size homeostasis in cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kitaguchi
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1129, Japan.
| | - Hajime Tei
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1129, Japan
| | - Koichiro Uriu
- Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1129, Japan
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35
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Abstract
Cell division in Escherichia coli starts with the formation of an FtsZ protofilament network at midcell, the Z ring. However, only after a considerable lag period does the cell start to form a midcell constriction. The onset of constriction depends upon the arrival of so-called late divisome proteins, among which, FtsN is the last essential one. The timing and dependency of FtsN arrival to the divisome, along with genetic evidence, suggests it triggers cell division. In this study, we used high-throughput fluorescence microscopy to determine the arrival of FtsN and the early divisome protein ZapA to midcell at a single-cell level during the cell cycle. Our data show while the recruitment of ZapA/FtsZ is gradual in the cell cycle, recruitment of FtsN is rapid and begins at about the onset of constriction. At this time, the fraction of ZapA/FtsZ in the Z ring approaches its peak value. We also find a second increase in FtsN recruitment to the divisome, which begins once the amount of ZapA/FtsZ at midcell starts decreasing. Increasing hypermorphic FtsA* (FtsA R286W), but not FtsA, accelerates FtsN recruitment but not constriction. This finding is consistent with FtsA* recruiting FtsN with some other divisome component being rate-limiting for constriction under these conditions. Finally, our data support the recently proposed idea that ZapA/FtsZ and FtsN are part of physically separate complexes in midcell throughout the whole septation process. IMPORTANCE Cell division in most bacteria starts with the formation of an FtsZ protofilament network at midcell, the Z ring. However, cells only start to constrict after a considerable lag. A factor thought to trigger the onset of constriction in Escherichia coli is FtsN, which is the last essential protein to be recruited to the Z ring. Using a high-throughput quantitative fluorescence microscopy, we determine the cell cycle-dependent recruitment of FtsN to the Z ring. Our data show rapid accumulation of FtsN to the Z ring about a quarter of the cell cycle after the formation of the Z ring. This initial wave is followed by another increase in FtsN recruitment once the FtsZ protofilament network starts to disassemble. The presence of FtsA* accelerates FtsN recruitment to the Z ring but does not lead to earlier constrictions. Our data furthermore suggest FtsZ and FtsN are part of physically separate complexes throughout the division process.
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36
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Paulussen FM, Schouten GK, Moertl C, Verheul J, Hoekstra I, Koningstein GM, Hutchins GH, Alkir A, Luirink RA, Geerke DP, van Ulsen P, den Blaauwen T, Luirink J, Grossmann TN. Covalent Proteomimetic Inhibitor of the Bacterial FtsQB Divisome Complex. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:15303-15313. [PMID: 35945166 PMCID: PMC9413201 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The use of antibiotics is threatened by the emergence
and spread
of multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria. Thus, there is a need
to develop antibiotics that address new targets. In this respect,
the bacterial divisome, a multi-protein complex central to cell division,
represents a potentially attractive target. Of particular interest
is the FtsQB subcomplex that plays a decisive role in divisome assembly
and peptidoglycan biogenesis in E. coli. Here, we report the structure-based design of
a macrocyclic covalent inhibitor derived from a periplasmic region
of FtsB that mediates its binding to FtsQ. The bioactive conformation
of this motif was stabilized by a customized cross-link resulting
in a tertiary structure mimetic with increased affinity for FtsQ.
To increase activity, a covalent handle was incorporated, providing
an inhibitor that impedes the interaction between FtsQ and FtsB irreversibly. The covalent inhibitor reduced the growth of an outer
membrane-permeable E. coli strain,
concurrent with the expected loss of FtsB localization, and also affected
the infection of zebrafish larvae by a clinical E.
coli strain. This first-in-class inhibitor of a divisome
protein–protein interaction highlights the potential of proteomimetic
molecules as inhibitors of challenging targets. In particular, the
covalent mode-of-action can serve as an inspiration for future antibiotics
that target protein–protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix M Paulussen
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Gina K Schouten
- Medical Microbiology and Infection Control (MMI), Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, Netherlands
| | - Carolin Moertl
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Verheul
- Department of Bacterial Cell Biology and Physiology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, Netherlands
| | - Irma Hoekstra
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Gregory M Koningstein
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - George H Hutchins
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Aslihan Alkir
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Rosa A Luirink
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Daan P Geerke
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Peter van Ulsen
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Tanneke den Blaauwen
- Department of Bacterial Cell Biology and Physiology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, Netherlands
| | - Joen Luirink
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
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37
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Kong WP, Gong F, So PK, Chen YW, Chan PH, Leung YC, Wong KY. The structural dynamics of full-length divisome transmembrane proteins FtsQ, FtsB, and FtsL in FtsQBL complex formation. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102235. [PMID: 35798142 PMCID: PMC9352969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
FtsQBL is a transmembrane protein complex in the divisome of Escherichia coli that plays a critical role in regulating cell division. Although extensive efforts have been made to investigate the interactions between the three involved proteins, FtsQ, FtsB, and FtsL, the detailed interaction mechanism is still poorly understood. In this study, we used hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to investigate these full-length proteins and their complexes. We also dissected the structural dynamic changes and the related binding interfaces within the complexes. Our data revealed that FtsB and FtsL interact at both the periplasmic and transmembrane regions to form a stable complex. Furthermore, the periplasmic region of FtsB underwent significant conformational changes. With the help of computational modeling, our results suggest that FtsBL complexation may bring the respective constriction control domains (CCDs) in close proximity. We show that when FtsBL adopts a coiled-coil structure, the CCDs are fixed at a vertical position relative to the membrane surface; thus, this conformational change may be essential for FtsBL’s interaction with other divisome proteins. In the FtsQBL complex, intriguingly, we show only FtsB interacts with FtsQ at its C-terminal region, which stiffens a large area of the β-domain of FtsQ. Consistent with this, we found the connection between the α- and β-domains in FtsQ is also strengthened in the complex. Overall, the present study provides important experimental evidence detailing the local interactions between the full-length FtsB, FtsL, and FtsQ protein, as well as valuable insights into the roles of FtsQBL complexation in regulating divisome activity.
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38
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Radler P, Baranova N, Caldas P, Sommer C, López-Pelegrín M, Michalik D, Loose M. In vitro reconstitution of Escherichia coli divisome activation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2635. [PMID: 35550516 PMCID: PMC9098913 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30301-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The actin-homologue FtsA is essential for E. coli cell division, as it links FtsZ filaments in the Z-ring to transmembrane proteins. FtsA is thought to initiate cell constriction by switching from an inactive polymeric to an active monomeric conformation, which recruits downstream proteins and stabilizes the Z-ring. However, direct biochemical evidence for this mechanism is missing. Here, we use reconstitution experiments and quantitative fluorescence microscopy to study divisome activation in vitro. By comparing wild-type FtsA with FtsA R286W, we find that this hyperactive mutant outperforms FtsA WT in replicating FtsZ treadmilling dynamics, FtsZ filament stabilization and recruitment of FtsN. We could attribute these differences to a faster exchange and denser packing of FtsA R286W below FtsZ filaments. Using FRET microscopy, we also find that FtsN binding promotes FtsA self-interaction. We propose that in the active divisome FtsA and FtsN exist as a dynamic copolymer that follows treadmilling filaments of FtsZ. In E. coli, FtsA and FtsZ control the place and time of cell division. Here, the authors use in vitro experiments to show how FtsA can follow FtsZ treadmilling and that downstream proteins form dynamic copolymers with FtsA to initiate division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Radler
- Institute for Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Natalia Baranova
- Institute for Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria.,University of Vienna, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paulo Caldas
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Christoph Sommer
- Institute for Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Mar López-Pelegrín
- Institute for Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - David Michalik
- Institute for Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Martin Loose
- Institute for Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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39
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Brown JWP, Alford RG, Walsh JC, Spinney RE, Xu SY, Hertel S, Berengut JF, Spenkelink LM, van Oijen AM, Böcking T, Morris RG, Lee LK. Rapid Exchange of Stably Bound Protein and DNA Cargo on a DNA Origami Receptor. ACS NANO 2022; 16:6455-6467. [PMID: 35316035 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular complexes can form stable assemblies yet can also rapidly exchange their subunits to adapt to environmental changes. Simultaneously allowing for both stability and rapid exchange expands the functional capacity of biomolecular machines and enables continuous function while navigating a complex molecular world. Inspired by biology, we design and synthesize a DNA origami receptor that exploits multivalent interactions to form stable complexes that are also capable of rapid subunit exchange. The system utilizes a mechanism first outlined in the context of the DNA replisome, known as multisite competitive exchange, and achieves a large separation of time scales between spontaneous subunit dissociation, which requires days, and rapid subunit exchange, which occurs in minutes. In addition, we use the DNA origami receptor to demonstrate stable interactions with rapid exchange of both DNA and protein subunits, thus highlighting the applicability of our approach to arbitrary molecular cargo, an important distinction with canonical toehold exchange between single-stranded DNA. We expect this study to benefit future studies that use DNA origami structures to exploit multivalent interactions for the design and synthesis of a wide range of possible kinetic behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W P Brown
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Rokiah G Alford
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - James C Walsh
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Richard E Spinney
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Stephanie Y Xu
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Sophie Hertel
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Jonathan F Berengut
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Lisanne M Spenkelink
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Antoine M van Oijen
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
- Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Till Böcking
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Richard G Morris
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Lawrence K Lee
- EMBL Australia Node for Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
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40
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Viola MG, Perdikari TM, Trebino CE, Rahmani N, Mathews KL, Pena CM, Chua XY, Xuan B, LaBreck CJ, Fawzi NL, Camberg JL. An enhancer sequence in the intrinsically disordered region of
FtsZ
promotes polymer‐guided substrate processing by
ClpXP
protease. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4306. [PMID: 35481648 PMCID: PMC8996474 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The essential bacterial division protein in Escherichia coli, FtsZ, assembles into the FtsZ-ring at midcell and recruits other proteins to the division site to promote septation. A region of the FtsZ amino acid sequence that links the conserved polymerization domain to a C-terminal protein interaction site was predicted to be intrinsically disordered and has been implicated in modulating spacing and architectural arrangements of FtsZ filaments. While the majority of cell division proteins that directly bind to FtsZ engage either the polymerization domain or the C-terminal interaction site, ClpX, the recognition and unfolding component of the bacterial ClpXP proteasome, has a secondary interaction with the predicted intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of FtsZ when FtsZ is polymerized. Here, we use NMR spectroscopy and reconstituted degradation reactions in vitro to demonstrate that this linker region is indeed disordered in solution and, further, that amino acids in the IDR of FtsZ enhance the degradation in polymer-guided interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa G. Viola
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island USA
| | | | - Catherine E. Trebino
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island USA
| | - Negar Rahmani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island USA
| | - Kaylee L. Mathews
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry Graduate Program Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - Carolina Mejia Pena
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry Graduate Program Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - Xien Yu Chua
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology & Biotechnology Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - Botai Xuan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology & Biotechnology Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - Christopher J. LaBreck
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island USA
| | - Nicolas L. Fawzi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology & Biotechnology Brown University Providence Rhode Island USA
| | - Jodi L. Camberg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island USA
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41
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Morrison JJ, Conti J, Camberg JL. Assembly and architecture of Escherichia coli divisome proteins FtsA and FtsZ. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101663. [PMID: 35104502 PMCID: PMC8897712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During Escherichia coli cell division, an intracellular complex of cell division proteins known as the Z-ring assembles at midcell during early division and serves as the site of constriction. While the predominant protein in the Z-ring is the widely conserved tubulin homolog FtsZ, the actin homolog FtsA tethers the Z-ring scaffold to the cytoplasmic membrane by binding to FtsZ. While FtsZ is known to function as a dynamic, polymerized GTPase, the assembly state of its partner, FtsA, and the role of ATP are still unclear. We report that a substitution mutation in the FtsA ATP-binding site impairs ATP hydrolysis, phospholipid vesicle remodeling in vitro, and Z-ring assembly in vivo. We demonstrate by transmission electron microscopy and Förster Resonance Energy Transfer that a truncated FtsA variant, FtsA(ΔMTS) lacking a C-terminal membrane targeting sequence, self assembles into ATP-dependent filaments. These filaments coassemble with FtsZ polymers but are destabilized by unassembled FtsZ. These findings suggest a model wherein ATP binding drives FtsA polymerization and membrane remodeling at the lipid surface, and FtsA polymerization is coregulated with FtsZ polymerization. We conclude that the coordinated assembly of FtsZ and FtsA polymers may serve as a key checkpoint in division that triggers cell wall synthesis and division progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiah J Morrison
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Joseph Conti
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jodi L Camberg
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA.
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42
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Du RL, Sun N, Fung YH, Zheng YY, Chen YW, Chan PH, Wong WL, Wong KY. Discovery of FtsZ inhibitors by virtual screening as antibacterial agents and study of the inhibition mechanism. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:79-89. [PMID: 35224498 PMCID: PMC8792978 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00249j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of bacterial cell division is a novel mechanistic action in the development of new antimicrobial agents. The FtsZ protein is an important antimicrobial drug target because of its essential role in bacterial cell division. In the present study, potential inhibitors of FtsZ were identified by virtual screening followed by in vivo and in vitro bioassays. One of the candidates, Dacomitinib (S2727), shows for the first time its potent inhibitory activity against the MRSA strains. The binding mode of Dacomitinib in FtsZ was analyzed by docking, and Asp199 and Thr265 are thought to be essential residues involved in the interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Lan Du
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hunghom Kowloon Hong Kong P.R. China
| | - Ning Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hunghom Kowloon Hong Kong P.R. China
| | - Yik-Hong Fung
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hunghom Kowloon Hong Kong P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hunghom Kowloon Hong Kong P.R. China
| | - Yu-Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hunghom Kowloon Hong Kong P.R. China
| | - Pak-Ho Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hunghom Kowloon Hong Kong P.R. China
| | - Wing-Leung Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hunghom Kowloon Hong Kong P.R. China
| | - Kwok-Yin Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hunghom Kowloon Hong Kong P.R. China
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43
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Craven SJ, Condon SGF, Díaz Vázquez G, Cui Q, Senes A. The coiled-coil domain of Escherichia coli FtsLB is a structurally detuned element critical for modulating its activation in bacterial cell division. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101460. [PMID: 34871549 PMCID: PMC8749076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The FtsLB complex is a key regulator of bacterial cell division, existing in either an off state or an on state, which supports the activation of septal peptidoglycan synthesis. In Escherichia coli, residues known to be critical for this activation are located in a region near the C-terminal end of the periplasmic coiled-coil domain of FtsLB, raising questions about the precise role of this conserved domain in the activation mechanism. Here, we investigate an unusual cluster of polar amino acids found within the core of the FtsLB coiled coil. We hypothesized that these amino acids likely reduce the structural stability of the domain and thus may be important for governing conformational changes. We found that mutating these positions to hydrophobic residues increased the thermal stability of FtsLB but caused cell division defects, suggesting that the coiled-coil domain is a "detuned" structural element. In addition, we identified suppressor mutations within the polar cluster, indicating that the precise identity of the polar amino acids is important for fine-tuning the structural balance between the off and on states. We propose a revised structural model of the tetrameric FtsLB (named the "Y-model") in which the periplasmic domain splits into a pair of coiled-coil branches. In this configuration, the hydrophilic terminal moieties of the polar amino acids remain more favorably exposed to water than in the original four-helix bundle model ("I-model"). We propose that a shift in this architecture, dependent on its marginal stability, is involved in activating the FtsLB complex and triggering septal cell wall reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Craven
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Integrated Program in Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Samson G F Condon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Integrated Program in Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gladys Díaz Vázquez
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Qiang Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alessandro Senes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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44
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Levin PA, Janakiraman A. Localization, Assembly, and Activation of the Escherichia coli Cell Division Machinery. EcoSal Plus 2021; 9:eESP00222021. [PMID: 34910577 PMCID: PMC8919703 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0022-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Decades of research, much of it in Escherichia coli, have yielded a wealth of insight into bacterial cell division. Here, we provide an overview of the E. coli division machinery with an emphasis on recent findings. We begin with a short historical perspective into the discovery of FtsZ, the tubulin homolog that is essential for division in bacteria and archaea. We then discuss assembly of the divisome, an FtsZ-dependent multiprotein platform, at the midcell septal site. Not simply a scaffold, the dynamic properties of polymeric FtsZ ensure the efficient and uniform synthesis of septal peptidoglycan. Next, we describe the remodeling of the cell wall, invagination of the cell envelope, and disassembly of the division apparatus culminating in scission of the mother cell into two daughter cells. We conclude this review by highlighting some of the open questions in the cell division field, emphasizing that much remains to be discovered, even in an organism as extensively studied as E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Anne Levin
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Center for Science & Engineering of Living Systems (CSELS), McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Anuradha Janakiraman
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Programs in Biology and Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
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45
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Chan H, Mohamed AMT, Grainge I, Rodrigues CDA. FtsK and SpoIIIE, coordinators of chromosome segregation and envelope remodeling in bacteria. Trends Microbiol 2021; 30:480-494. [PMID: 34728126 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The translocation of DNA during bacterial cytokinesis is mediated by the SpoIIIE/FtsK family of proteins. These proteins ensure efficient chromosome segregation into sister cells by ATP-driven translocation of DNA and they control chromosome dimer resolution. How FtsK/SpoIIIE mediate chromosome translocation during cytokinesis in Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms has been the subject of debate. Studies on FtsK in Escherichia coli, and recent work on SpoIIIE in Bacillus subtilis, have identified interactions between each translocase and the division machinery, supporting the idea that SpoIIIE and FtsK coordinate the final steps of cytokinesis with completion of chromosome segregation. Here we summarize and discuss the view that SpoIIIE and FtsK play similar roles in coordinating cytokinesis with chromosome segregation, during growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Chan
- iThree Institute, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
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46
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Briggs NS, Bruce KE, Naskar S, Winkler ME, Roper DI. The Pneumococcal Divisome: Dynamic Control of Streptococcus pneumoniae Cell Division. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:737396. [PMID: 34737730 PMCID: PMC8563077 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.737396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell division in Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is performed and regulated by a protein complex consisting of at least 14 different protein elements; known as the divisome. Recent findings have advanced our understanding of the molecular events surrounding this process and have provided new understanding of the mechanisms that occur during the division of pneumococcus. This review will provide an overview of the key protein complexes and how they are involved in cell division. We will discuss the interaction of proteins in the divisome complex that underpin the control mechanisms for cell division and cell wall synthesis and remodelling that are required in S. pneumoniae, including the involvement of virulence factors and capsular polysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S. Briggs
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin E. Bruce
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Souvik Naskar
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm E. Winkler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - David I. Roper
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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47
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Schwille P, Frohn BP. Hidden protein functions and what they may teach us. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 32:102-109. [PMID: 34654605 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Bottom-up synthetic biology is a new research field with the goal of constructing living systems from a minimal number of functional components. The key challenges are, first, to identify a necessary canon of functions for a system to be considered alive, and second, to reconstitute these respective modules in vitro. When using proteins as obvious candidates, it appears that not only some of their described physiological functions fail to unfold outside the cellular context, but that completely new and unexpected functions are being observed. We put these insights in the context of other recent findings on protein functionality and discuss their potential role in the emergence and evolution of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Schwille
- Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Béla P Frohn
- Cellular and Molecular Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, D-82152 Martinsried, Germany
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48
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Li Y, Qiao D, Zhang Y, Hao W, Xi Y, Deng X, Ge X, Xu M. MapZ deficiency leads to defects in the envelope structure and changes stress tolerance of Streptococcus mutans. Mol Oral Microbiol 2021; 36:295-307. [PMID: 34463029 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cell division is a central process in bacteria and a prerequisite for pathogenicity. Several proteins are involved in this process to ensure the accurate localization and proper function of the division machinery. In Streptococcus mutans, MapZ marks the division sites and position of the Z-ring to regulate cell division; however, whether MapZ deficiency can impair the cariogenic virulence of S. mutans remains unclear. Here, using a phenotypic assay and RNA-seq, we investigated the role of MapZ in cell envelope maintenance, biofilm formation, and stress tolerance in S. mutans. The results show that MapZ is important for normal cell shape and envelope structure, and its deletion causes abnormal septum structure and a thin cell wall. Subsequently, we found that the absence of MapZ leads to a greater level of cell death within 12 h biofilms, but it does not seem to affect biofilm architecture and accumulation. mapZ deletion also results in a decreased acid and osmotic stress tolerance. Furthermore, RNA-seq data reveal that MapZ deficiency causes changes in the expression levels of genes involved in transport systems, sugar metabolism, nature competence, and bacteriocin synthesis. Interestingly, we found that mapZ mutation renders S. mutans more sensitive to chlorhexidine. Taken together, our study suggests that MapZ plays a role in maintaining cell envelope structure and stress tolerance in S. mutans, showing a potential application as a drug target for caries prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Li
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yifei Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China.,Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Weifeng Hao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yue Xi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xuliang Deng
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xuejun Ge
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Mingming Xu
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, P. R. China
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49
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Meunier A, Cornet F, Campos M. Bacterial cell proliferation: from molecules to cells. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:5912836. [PMID: 32990752 PMCID: PMC7794046 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cell proliferation is highly efficient, both because bacteria grow fast and multiply with a low failure rate. This efficiency is underpinned by the robustness of the cell cycle and its synchronization with cell growth and cytokinesis. Recent advances in bacterial cell biology brought about by single-cell physiology in microfluidic chambers suggest a series of simple phenomenological models at the cellular scale, coupling cell size and growth with the cell cycle. We contrast the apparent simplicity of these mechanisms based on the addition of a constant size between cell cycle events (e.g. two consecutive initiation of DNA replication or cell division) with the complexity of the underlying regulatory networks. Beyond the paradigm of cell cycle checkpoints, the coordination between the DNA and division cycles and cell growth is largely mediated by a wealth of other mechanisms. We propose our perspective on these mechanisms, through the prism of the known crosstalk between DNA replication and segregation, cell division and cell growth or size. We argue that the precise knowledge of these molecular mechanisms is critical to integrate the diverse layers of controls at different time and space scales into synthetic and verifiable models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Meunier
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative de Toulouse (CBI Toulouse), Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, IBCG, 165 rue Marianne Grunberg-Manago, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - François Cornet
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative de Toulouse (CBI Toulouse), Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, IBCG, 165 rue Marianne Grunberg-Manago, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Manuel Campos
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative de Toulouse (CBI Toulouse), Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires (LMGM), Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, IBCG, 165 rue Marianne Grunberg-Manago, 31062 Toulouse, France
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50
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Abstract
Most bacteria are surrounded by a peptidoglycan cell wall that defines their shape and protects them from osmotic lysis. The expansion and division of this structure therefore plays an integral role in bacterial growth and division. Additionally, the biogenesis of the peptidoglycan layer is the target of many of our most effective antibiotics. Thus, a better understanding of how the cell wall is built will enable the development of new therapies to combat the rise of drug-resistant bacterial infections. This review covers recent advances in defining the mechanisms involved in assembling the peptidoglycan layer with an emphasis on discoveries related to the function and regulation of the cell elongation and division machineries in the model organisms Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 75 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia D A Rohs
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; .,Current affiliation: Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Thomas G Bernhardt
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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