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Letzkus M, Trela C, Mera PE. Three factors ParA, TipN, and DnaA-mediated chromosome replication initiation are contributors of centromere segregation in Caulobacter crescentus. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar68. [PMID: 38568781 PMCID: PMC11151105 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-12-0503] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The ability of bacteria to maintain chromosomal integrity throughout their life cycle is crucial for survival. In Caulobacter crescentus, the polar factor TipN has been proposed to be involved with the partitioning system ParABS. Cells with tipN knocked out display subtle segregation defects of the centromere-like region parS. We hypothesized that TipN's role with parS segregation is obscured by other forces that are ParABS-independent. To test our hypothesis, we removed one of those forces - chromosome replication - and analyzed the role of TipN with ParA. We first confirm that ParA retains its ability to transport the centromeric region parS from the stalked pole to the opposite pole in the absence of chromosome replication. Our data revealed that in the absence of chromosome replication, TipN becomes essential for ParA's ability to transport parS. Furthermore, we identify a potential connection between the replication initiator DnaA and TipN. Although TipN is not essential for viability, tipN knockout cells lose viability when the regulation of DnaA levels is altered. Our data suggest that the DnaA-dependent susceptibility of tipN knockout cells is connected to parS segregation. Collectively, this work provides insights into the complex regulation involved in the coordination of chromosome replication and segregation in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Letzkus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Corey Trela
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Paola E. Mera
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
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2
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Letzkus M, Trela C, Mera PE. TipN's involvement with centromere segregation in Caulobacter crescentus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.20.572679. [PMID: 38187783 PMCID: PMC10769339 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.20.572679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria's ability to maintain chromosomal integrity throughout their life cycle is crucial for their survival. In Caulobacter crescentus, the polar factor TipN has been proposed to be involved with the partitioning system ParABS. However, cells with tipN knocked out display subtle parS segregation defects. We hypothesized that TipN's role with parS segregation is obscured by other forces that are ParABS-independent. To test our hypothesis, we removed one of those forces - chromosome replication - and analyzed the role of TipN with ParA. We first demonstrate that ParA retains its ability to transport the centromeric region parS from the stalked pole to the opposite pole in the absence of chromosome replication. Our data revealed that in the absence of chromosome replication, TipN becomes essential for ParA's ability to transport parS. Furthermore, we identify a potential connection between the replication initiator DnaA and TipN. Although TipN is not essential for viability, tipN knockout cells lose viability when the regulation of DnaA levels is altered. Our data suggest that the DnaA-dependent susceptibility of tipN knockout cells is connected to parS segregation. Collectively, this work provides insights into the complex regulation involved in the coordination of chromosome replication and segregation in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Letzkus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Corey Trela
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Paola E. Mera
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Puentes-Rodriguez SG, Norcross J, Mera PE. To let go or not to let go: how ParA can impact the release of the chromosomal anchoring in Caulobacter crescentus. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:12275-12287. [PMID: 37933842 PMCID: PMC10711552 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad982] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal maintenance is vital for the survival of bacteria. In Caulobacter crescentus, chromosome replication initiates at ori and segregation is delayed until the nearby centromere-like region parS is replicated. Our understanding of how this sequence of events is regulated remains limited. The segregation of parS has been shown to involve multiple steps including polar release from anchoring protein PopZ, slow movement and fast ParA-dependent movement to the opposite cell pole. In this study, we demonstrate that ParA's competing attractions from PopZ and from DNA are critical for segregation of parS. Interfering with this balance of attractions-by expressing a variant ParA-R195E unable to bind DNA and thus favoring interactions exclusively between ParA-PopZ-results in cell death. Our data revealed that ParA-R195E's sole interactions with PopZ obstruct PopZ's ability to release the polar anchoring of parS, resulting in cells with multiple parS loci fixed at one cell pole. We show that the inability to separate and segregate multiple parS loci from the pole is specifically dependent on the interaction between ParA and PopZ. Collectively, our results reveal that the initial steps in chromosome segregation are highly regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D Norcross
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Paola E Mera
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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4
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Puentes-Rodriguez SG, Norcross J, Mera PE. To let go or not to let go: how ParA can impact the release of the chromosomal anchoring in Caulobacter crescentus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.12.536610. [PMID: 37090538 PMCID: PMC10120649 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.12.536610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal maintenance is vital for the survival of bacteria. In Caulobacter crescentus, chromosome replication initiates at ori and segregation is delayed until the nearby centromere-like region parS is replicated. Our understanding of how this sequence of events is regulated remains limited. The segregation of parS has been shown to involve multiple steps including polar release from anchoring protein PopZ, slow movement, and fast ParA-dependent movement to opposite cell pole. In this study, we demonstrate that ParA's competing attractions from PopZ and from DNA are critical for segregation of parS. Interfering with this balance of attractions - by expressing a variant ParA-R195E unable to bind DNA and thus favoring interactions exclusively between ParA-PopZ - results in cell death. Our data revealed that ParA-R195E's sole interactions with PopZ obstruct PopZ's ability to release the polar anchoring of parS resulting in cells with multiple parS loci fixed at one cell pole. We show that the inability to separate and segregate multiple parS loci from the pole is specifically dependent on the interaction between ParA and PopZ. Interfering with interactions between PopZ and the partitioning protein ParB, which is the interaction that anchors parS at the cell pole, does not rescue the ability of cells to separate the fixed parS loci when expressing parA-R195E. Thus, ParA and PopZ appear to have a distinct conversation from ParB yet can impact the release of ParB-parS from the anchoring at the cell pole. Collectively, our results reveal that the initial steps in chromosome segregation are highly regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J.D. Norcross
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Paola E. Mera
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Weber PM, Moessel F, Paredes GF, Viehboeck T, Vischer NO, Bulgheresi S. A Bidimensional Segregation Mode Maintains Symbiont Chromosome Orientation toward Its Host. Curr Biol 2019; 29:3018-3028.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
Spatial organization is a hallmark of all living systems. Even bacteria, the smallest forms of cellular life, display defined shapes and complex internal organization, showcasing a highly structured genome, cytoskeletal filaments, localized scaffolding structures, dynamic spatial patterns, active transport, and occasionally, intracellular organelles. Spatial order is required for faithful and efficient cellular replication and offers a powerful means for the development of unique biological properties. Here, we discuss organizational features of bacterial cells and highlight how bacteria have evolved diverse spatial mechanisms to overcome challenges cells face as self-replicating entities.
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Ultee E, Ramijan K, Dame RT, Briegel A, Claessen D. Stress-induced adaptive morphogenesis in bacteria. Adv Microb Physiol 2019; 74:97-141. [PMID: 31126537 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ampbs.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria thrive in virtually all environments. Like all other living organisms, bacteria may encounter various types of stresses, to which cells need to adapt. In this chapter, we describe how cells cope with stressful conditions and how this may lead to dramatic morphological changes. These changes may not only allow harmless cells to withstand environmental insults but can also benefit pathogenic bacteria by enabling them to escape from the immune system and the activity of antibiotics. A better understanding of stress-induced morphogenesis will help us to develop new approaches to combat such harmful pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Ultee
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands; Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Karina Ramijan
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands; Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Remus T Dame
- Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Macromolecular Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CE Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ariane Briegel
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands; Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Claessen
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, 2333 BE Leiden, the Netherlands; Centre for Microbial Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Spatial organization and dynamics of RNase E and ribosomes in Caulobacter crescentus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E3712-E3721. [PMID: 29610352 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1721648115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the dynamic spatial organization of Caulobacter crescentus RNase E (RNA degradosome) and ribosomal protein L1 (ribosome) using 3D single-particle tracking and superresolution microscopy. RNase E formed clusters along the central axis of the cell, while weak clusters of ribosomal protein L1 were deployed throughout the cytoplasm. These results contrast with RNase E and ribosome distribution in Escherichia coli, where RNase E colocalizes with the cytoplasmic membrane and ribosomes accumulate in polar nucleoid-free zones. For both RNase E and ribosomes in Caulobacter, we observed a decrease in confinement and clustering upon transcription inhibition and subsequent depletion of nascent RNA, suggesting that RNA substrate availability for processing, degradation, and translation facilitates confinement and clustering. Importantly, RNase E cluster positions correlated with the subcellular location of chromosomal loci of two highly transcribed rRNA genes, suggesting that RNase E's function in rRNA processing occurs at the site of rRNA synthesis. Thus, components of the RNA degradosome and ribosome assembly are spatiotemporally organized in Caulobacter, with chromosomal readout serving as the template for this organization.
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Arias-Cartin R, Dobihal GS, Campos M, Surovtsev IV, Parry B, Jacobs-Wagner C. Replication fork passage drives asymmetric dynamics of a critical nucleoid-associated protein in Caulobacter. EMBO J 2016; 36:301-318. [PMID: 28011580 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201695513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In bacteria, chromosome dynamics and gene expression are modulated by nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs), but little is known about how NAP activity is coupled to cell cycle progression. Using genomic techniques, quantitative cell imaging, and mathematical modeling, our study in Caulobacter crescentus identifies a novel NAP (GapR) whose activity over the cell cycle is shaped by DNA replication. GapR activity is critical for cellular function, as loss of GapR causes severe, pleiotropic defects in growth, cell division, DNA replication, and chromosome segregation. GapR also affects global gene expression with a chromosomal bias from origin to terminus, which is associated with a similar general bias in GapR binding activity along the chromosome. Strikingly, this asymmetric localization cannot be explained by the distribution of GapR binding sites on the chromosome. Instead, we present a mechanistic model in which the spatiotemporal dynamics of GapR are primarily driven by the progression of the replication forks. This model represents a simple mechanism of cell cycle regulation, in which DNA-binding activity is intimately linked to the action of DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Arias-Cartin
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Genevieve S Dobihal
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Manuel Campos
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ivan V Surovtsev
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bradley Parry
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christine Jacobs-Wagner
- Microbial Sciences Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA .,Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale Medical School, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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10
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Abstract
If fully stretched out, a typical bacterial chromosome would be nearly 1 mm long, approximately 1,000 times the length of a cell. Not only must cells massively compact their genetic material, but they must also organize their DNA in a manner that is compatible with a range of cellular processes, including DNA replication, DNA repair, homologous recombination, and horizontal gene transfer. Recent work, driven in part by technological advances, has begun to reveal the general principles of chromosome organization in bacteria. Here, drawing on studies of many different organisms, we review the emerging picture of how bacterial chromosomes are structured at multiple length scales, highlighting the functions of various DNA-binding proteins and the impact of physical forces. Additionally, we discuss the spatial dynamics of chromosomes, particularly during their segregation to daughter cells. Although there has been tremendous progress, we also highlight gaps that remain in understanding chromosome organization and segregation.
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Dame RT, Tark-Dame M. Bacterial chromatin: converging views at different scales. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2016; 40:60-65. [PMID: 26942688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2016.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial genomes are functionally organized and compactly folded into a structure referred to as bacterial chromatin or the nucleoid. An important role in genome folding is attributed to Nucleoid-Associated Proteins, also referred to as bacterial chromatin proteins. Although a lot of molecular insight in the mechanisms of operation of these proteins has been generated in the test tube, knowledge on genome organization in the cellular context is still lagging behind severely. Here, we discuss important advances in the understanding of three-dimensional genome organization due to the application of Chromosome Conformation Capture and super-resolution microscopy techniques. We focus on bacterial chromatin proteins whose proposed role in genome organization is supported by these approaches. Moreover, we discuss recent insights into the interrelationship between genome organization and genome activity/stability in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remus T Dame
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Mariliis Tark-Dame
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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12
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van der Valk RA, Vreede J, Crémazy F, Dame RT. Genomic Looping: A Key Principle of Chromatin Organization. J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 24:344-59. [DOI: 10.1159/000368851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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13
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Lim HC, Surovtsev IV, Beltran BG, Huang F, Bewersdorf J, Jacobs-Wagner C. Evidence for a DNA-relay mechanism in ParABS-mediated chromosome segregation. eLife 2014; 3:e02758. [PMID: 24859756 PMCID: PMC4067530 DOI: 10.7554/elife.02758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The widely conserved ParABS system plays a major role in bacterial chromosome segregation. How the components of this system work together to generate translocation force and directional motion remains uncertain. Here, we combine biochemical approaches, quantitative imaging and mathematical modeling to examine the mechanism by which ParA drives the translocation of the ParB/parS partition complex in Caulobacter crescentus. Our experiments, together with simulations grounded on experimentally-determined biochemical and cellular parameters, suggest a novel 'DNA-relay' mechanism in which the chromosome plays a mechanical function. In this model, DNA-bound ParA-ATP dimers serve as transient tethers that harness the elastic dynamics of the chromosome to relay the partition complex from one DNA region to another across a ParA-ATP dimer gradient. Since ParA-like proteins are implicated in the partitioning of various cytoplasmic cargos, the conservation of their DNA-binding activity suggests that the DNA-relay mechanism may be a general form of intracellular transport in bacteria.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02758.001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoong Chuin Lim
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, United States Microbial Diversity Institute, Yale University, West Haven, United States
| | - Ivan Vladimirovich Surovtsev
- Microbial Diversity Institute, Yale University, West Haven, United States Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, United States Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Bruno Gabriel Beltran
- Department of Mathematics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, United States Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Jörg Bewersdorf
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Christine Jacobs-Wagner
- Microbial Diversity Institute, Yale University, West Haven, United States Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, United States Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, United States Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
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Kuwada NJ, Cheveralls KC, Traxler B, Wiggins PA. Mapping the driving forces of chromosome structure and segregation in Escherichia coli. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:7370-7. [PMID: 23775792 PMCID: PMC3753618 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism responsible for the accurate partitioning of newly replicated Escherichia coli chromosomes into daughter cells remains a mystery. In this article, we use automated cell cycle imaging to quantitatively analyse the cell cycle dynamics of the origin of replication (oriC) in hundreds of cells. We exploit the natural stochastic fluctuations of the chromosome structure to map both the spatial and temporal dependence of the motional bias segregating the chromosomes. The observed map is most consistent with force generation by an active mechanism, but one that generates much smaller forces than canonical molecular motors, including those driving eukaryotic chromosome segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Kuwada
- Department of Physics and Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA, Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA and Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Caulobacter chromosome in vivo configuration matches model predictions for a supercoiled polymer in a cell-like confinement. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:1674-9. [PMID: 23319648 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1220824110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We measured the distance between fluorescent-labeled DNA loci of various interloci contour lengths in Caulobacter crescentus swarmer cells to determine the in vivo configuration of the chromosome. For DNA segments less than about 300 kb, the mean interloci distances, <r>, scale as n(0.22), where n is the contour length, and cell-to-cell distribution of the interloci distance r is a universal function of r/n(0.22) with broad cell-to-cell variability. For DNA segments greater than about 300 kb, the mean interloci distances scale as n, in agreement with previous observations. The 0.22 value of the scaling exponent for short DNA segments is consistent with theoretical predictions for a branched DNA polymer structure. Predictions from Brownian dynamics simulations of the packing of supercoiled DNA polymers in an elongated cell-like confinement are also consistent with a branched DNA structure, and simulated interloci distance distributions predict that confinement leads to "freezing" of the supercoiled configuration. Lateral positions of labeled loci at comparable positions along the length of the cell are strongly correlated when the longitudinal locus positions differ by <0.16 μm. We conclude that the chromosome structure is supercoiled locally and elongated at large length scales and that substantial cell-to-cell variability in the interloci distances indicates that in vivo crowding prevents the chromosome from reaching an equilibrium arrangement. We suggest that the force causing rapid transport of loci remote from the parS centromere to the distal cell pole may arise from the release at the polar region of potential energy within the supercoiled DNA.
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Dame RT, Tark-Dame M, Schiessel H. A physical approach to segregation and folding of the Caulobacter crescentus genome. Mol Microbiol 2011; 82:1311-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2011.07898.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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