FtsZ in bacterial cytokinesis: cytoskeleton and force generator all in one.
Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)
FtsZ, a bacterial homolog of tubulin, is well established as forming the cytoskeletal framework for the cytokinetic ring. Recent work has shown that purified FtsZ, in the absence of any other division proteins, can assemble Z rings when incorporated inside tubular liposomes. Moreover, these artificial Z rings can generate a constriction force, demonstrating that FtsZ is its own force generator. Here we review light microscope observations of how Z rings assemble in bacteria. Assembly begins with long-pitch helices that condense into the Z ring. Once formed, the Z ring can transition to short-pitch helices that are suggestive of its structure. FtsZ assembles in vitro into short protofilaments that are ∼30 subunits long. We present models for how these protofilaments might be further assembled into the Z ring. We discuss recent experiments on assembly dynamics of FtsZ in vitro, with particular attention to how two regulatory proteins, SulA and MinC, inhibit assembly. Recent efforts to develop antibacterial drugs that target FtsZ are reviewed. Finally, we discuss evidence of how FtsZ generates a constriction force: by protofilament bending into a curved conformation.
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Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Erickson, HP; Anderson, DE; Osawa, M
Published Date
- December 2010
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 74 / 4
Start / End Page
- 504 - 528
PubMed ID
- 21119015
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC3008173
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1098-5557
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1128/MMBR.00021-10
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States