1
|
Barrows JM, Talavera-Figueroa BK, Payne IP, Smith EL, Goley ED. GTPase activity regulates FtsZ ring positioning in Caulobacter crescentus. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar97. [PMID: 38758654 PMCID: PMC11244171 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-09-0365] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cell division is crucial for replication and requires careful coordination via proteins collectively called the divisome. The tubulin-like GTPase FtsZ is the master regulator of this process and serves to recruit downstream divisome proteins and regulate their activities. Upon assembling at mid-cell, FtsZ exhibits treadmilling motion driven by GTP binding and hydrolysis. Treadmilling is proposed to play roles in Z-ring condensation and in distribution and regulation of peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall enzymes. FtsZ polymer superstructure and dynamics are central to its function, yet their regulation is incompletely understood. We addressed these gaps in knowledge by evaluating the contribution of GTPase activity to FtsZ's function in vitro and in Caulobacter crescentus cells. We observed that a lethal mutation that abrogates FtsZ GTP hydrolysis impacts FtsZ dynamics and Z-ring positioning, but not constriction. Aberrant Z-ring positioning was due to insensitivity to the FtsZ regulator MipZ when GTPase activity is reduced. Z-ring mislocalization resulted in DNA damage, likely due to constriction over the nucleoid. Collectively, our results indicate that GTP hydrolysis serves primarily to position the Z-ring at mid-cell in Caulobacter. Proper Z-ring localization is required for effective coordination with chromosome segregation to prevent DNA damage and ensure successful cell division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M. Barrows
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | | | - Isaac P. Payne
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Erika L. Smith
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Erin D. Goley
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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.
Collapse
|
3
|
Fujita J, Sugiyama S, Terakado H, Miyazaki M, Ozawa M, Ueda N, Kuroda N, Tanaka SI, Yoshizawa T, Uchihashi T, Matsumura H. Dynamic Assembly/Disassembly of Staphylococcus aureus FtsZ Visualized by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041697. [PMID: 33567659 PMCID: PMC7914567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
FtsZ is a key protein in bacterial cell division and is assembled into filamentous architectures. FtsZ filaments are thought to regulate bacterial cell division and have been investigated using many types of imaging techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), but the time scale of the method was too long to trace the filament formation process. Development of high-speed AFM enables us to achieve sub-second time resolution and visualize the formation and dissociation process of FtsZ filaments. The analysis of the growth and dissociation rates of the C-terminal truncated FtsZ (FtsZt) filaments indicate the net growth and dissociation of FtsZt filaments in the growth and dissociation conditions, respectively. We also analyzed the curvatures of the full-length FtsZ (FtsZf) and FtsZt filaments, and the comparative analysis indicated the straight-shape preference of the FtsZt filaments than those of FtsZf. These findings provide insights into the fundamental dynamic behavior of FtsZ protofilaments and bacterial cell division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junso Fujita
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Shogo Sugiyama
- Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan;
| | - Haruna Terakado
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan; (H.T.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (N.U.); (N.K.); (S.-i.T.); (T.Y.)
| | - Maho Miyazaki
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan; (H.T.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (N.U.); (N.K.); (S.-i.T.); (T.Y.)
| | - Mayuki Ozawa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan; (H.T.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (N.U.); (N.K.); (S.-i.T.); (T.Y.)
| | - Nanami Ueda
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan; (H.T.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (N.U.); (N.K.); (S.-i.T.); (T.Y.)
| | - Natsuko Kuroda
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan; (H.T.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (N.U.); (N.K.); (S.-i.T.); (T.Y.)
| | - Shun-ichi Tanaka
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan; (H.T.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (N.U.); (N.K.); (S.-i.T.); (T.Y.)
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Kyoto Prefectural University, Hangi-cho, Shimogamo, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8522, Japan
| | - Takuya Yoshizawa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan; (H.T.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (N.U.); (N.K.); (S.-i.T.); (T.Y.)
| | - Takayuki Uchihashi
- Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan;
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.U.); (H.M.); Tel.: +81-52-789-2885 (T.U.); +81-77-561-4809 (H.M.)
| | - Hiroyoshi Matsumura
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-8577, Japan; (H.T.); (M.M.); (M.O.); (N.U.); (N.K.); (S.-i.T.); (T.Y.)
- Correspondence: (T.U.); (H.M.); Tel.: +81-52-789-2885 (T.U.); +81-77-561-4809 (H.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barrows JM, Goley ED. FtsZ dynamics in bacterial division: What, how, and why? Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 68:163-172. [PMID: 33220539 PMCID: PMC7925355 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial cell division is orchestrated by the divisome, a protein complex centered on the tubulin homolog FtsZ. FtsZ polymerizes into a dynamic ring that defines the division site, recruits downstream proteins, and directs peptidoglycan synthesis to drive constriction. Recent studies have documented treadmilling of FtsZ polymer clusters both in cells and in vitro. Emerging evidence suggests that FtsZ dynamics are regulated largely by intrinsic properties of FtsZ itself and by the membrane anchoring protein FtsA. Although FtsZ dynamics are broadly required for Z-ring assembly, their role(s) during constriction may vary among bacterial species. These recent advances set the stage for future studies to investigate how FtsZ dynamics are physically and/or functionally coupled to peptidoglycan metabolic enzymes to direct efficient division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Barrows
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Erin D Goley
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The speed of FtsZ treadmilling is tightly regulated by membrane binding. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10447. [PMID: 32591587 PMCID: PMC7320174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the key elements in bacterial cell division, the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ appears to be highly involved in circumferential treadmilling along the inner membrane, yielding circular vortices when transferred to flat membranes. However, it remains unclear how a membrane-targeted protein can produce these dynamics. Here, we dissect the roles of membrane binding, GTPase activity, and the unstructured C-terminal linker on the treadmilling of a chimera FtsZ protein through in vitro reconstitution of different FtsZ-YFP-mts variants on supported membranes. In summary, our results suggest substantial robustness of dynamic vortex formation, where only significant mutations, resulting in abolished membrane binding or compromised lateral interactions, are detrimental for the generation of treadmilling rings. In addition to GTPase activity, which directly affects treadmilling dynamics, we found a striking correlation of membrane binding with treadmilling speed as a result of changing the MTS on our chimera proteins. This discovery leads to the hypothesis that the in vivo existence of two alternative tether proteins for FtsZ could be a mechanism for controlling FtsZ treadmilling.
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
The FtsZ protein is a highly conserved bacterial tubulin homolog. In vivo, the functional form of FtsZ is the polymeric, ring-like structure (Z-ring) assembled at the future division site during cell division. While it is clear that the Z-ring plays an essential role in orchestrating cytokinesis, precisely what its functions are and how these functions are achieved remain elusive. In this article, we review what we have learned during the past decade about the Z-ring's structure, function, and dynamics, with a particular focus on insights generated by recent high-resolution imaging and single-molecule analyses. We suggest that the major function of the Z-ring is to govern nascent cell pole morphogenesis by directing the spatiotemporal distribution of septal cell wall remodeling enzymes through the Z-ring's GTP hydrolysis-dependent treadmilling dynamics. In this role, FtsZ functions in cell division as the counterpart of the cell shape-determining actin homolog MreB in cell elongation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan McQuillen
- Department of Biophysics & Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; ,
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Biophysics & Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Bacterial cell division is initiated by the midcell assembly of polymers of the tubulin-like GTPase FtsZ. The FtsZ ring (Z-ring) is a discontinuous structure made of dynamic patches of FtsZ that undergo treadmilling motion. Roughly a dozen additional essential proteins are recruited to the division site by the dynamic Z-ring scaffold and subsequently activate cell wall synthesis to drive cell envelope constriction during division. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we summarize our understanding of the assembly and activation of the bacterial cell division machinery. We introduce polymerization properties of FtsZ and discuss our current knowledge of divisome assembly and activation. We further highlight the intimate relationship between the structure and dynamics of FtsZ and the movement and activity of cell wall synthases at the division site, before concluding with a perspective on the most important open questions on bacterial cell division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Mahone
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Erin D Goley
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dissecting the Functional Contributions of the Intrinsically Disordered C-terminal Tail of Bacillus subtilis FtsZ. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:3205-3221. [PMID: 32198113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
FtsZ is a bacterial GTPase that is central to the spatial and temporal control of cell division. It is a filament-forming enzyme that encompasses a well-folded core domain and a disordered C-terminal tail (CTT). The CTT is essential for ensuring proper assembly of the cytokinetic ring, and its deletion leads to mis-localization of FtsZ, aberrant assembly, and cell death. In this work, we dissect the contributions of modules within the disordered CTT to assembly and enzymatic activity of Bacillus subtilis FtsZ (Bs-FtsZ). The CTT features a hypervariable C-terminal linker (CTL) and a conserved C-terminal peptide (CTP). Our in vitro studies show that the CTL weakens the driving forces for forming single-stranded active polymers and suppresses lateral associations of these polymers, whereas the CTP promotes the formation of alternative assemblies. Accordingly, in full-length Bs-FtsZ, the CTL acts as a spacer that spatially separates the CTP sticker from the core, thus ensuring filament formation through core-driven polymerization and lateral associations through CTP-mediated interactions. We also find that the CTL weakens GTP binding while enhancing the catalytic rate, whereas the CTP has opposite effects. The joint contributions of the CTL and CTP make Bs-FtsZ, an enzyme that is only half as efficient as a truncated version that lacks the CTT. Overall, our data suggest that the CTT acts as an auto-regulator of Bs-FtsZ assembly and as an auto-inhibitor of enzymatic activity. Based on our results, we propose hypotheses regarding the hypervariability of CTLs and compare FtsZs to other bacterial proteins with tethered IDRs.
Collapse
|
9
|
Barrows JM, Sundararajan K, Bhargava A, Goley ED. FtsA Regulates Z-Ring Morphology and Cell Wall Metabolism in an FtsZ C-Terminal Linker-Dependent Manner in Caulobacter crescentus. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:e00693-19. [PMID: 31932314 PMCID: PMC7167480 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00693-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cell division requires the assembly of a multiprotein division machinery, or divisome, that remodels the cell envelope to cause constriction. The cytoskeletal protein FtsZ forms a ringlike scaffold for the divisome at the incipient division site. FtsZ has three major regions: a conserved GTPase domain that polymerizes into protofilaments on binding GTP, a C-terminal conserved peptide (CTC) required for binding membrane-anchoring proteins, and a C-terminal linker (CTL) region of varied length and low sequence conservation. Recently, we demonstrated that the CTL regulates FtsZ polymerization properties in vitro and Z-ring structure and cell wall metabolism in vivo In Caulobacter crescentus, an FtsZ variant lacking the CTL (designated ΔCTL) can recruit all known divisome members and drive local cell wall synthesis but has dominant lethal effects on cell wall metabolism. To understand the underlying mechanism of the CTL-dependent regulation of cell wall metabolism, we expressed chimeras of FtsZ domains from C. crescentus and Escherichia coli and observed that the E. coli GTPase domain fused to the C. crescentus CTC phenocopies C. crescentus ΔCTL. By investigating the contributions of FtsZ-binding partners, we identified variants of FtsA, a known membrane anchor for FtsZ, that delay or exacerbate the ΔCTL phenotype. Additionally, we observed that the ΔCTL protein forms extended helical structures in vivo upon FtsA overproduction. We propose that misregulation downstream of defective ΔCTL assembly is propagated through the interaction between the CTC and FtsA. Overall, our study provides mechanistic insights into the CTL-dependent regulation of cell wall enzymes downstream of FtsZ polymerization.IMPORTANCE Bacterial cell division is essential and requires the recruitment and regulation of a complex network of proteins needed to initiate and guide constriction and cytokinesis. FtsZ serves as a master regulator for this process, and its function is highly dependent on both its assembly into the canonical Z ring and interactions with protein binding partners, all of which results in the activation of enzymes that remodel the cell wall to drive constriction. Using mutants of FtsZ, we have elaborated on the role of its C-terminal linker domain in regulating Z-ring stability and dynamics, as well as the requirement for its conserved C-terminal domain and interaction with the membrane-anchoring protein FtsA for regulating the process of cell wall remodeling for constriction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Barrows
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kousik Sundararajan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anant Bhargava
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Erin D Goley
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Surface Orientation and Binding Strength Modulate Shape of FtsZ on Lipid Surfaces. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102545. [PMID: 31137602 PMCID: PMC6566678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We have used a simple model system to test the prediction that surface attachment strength of filaments presenting a torsion would affect their shape and properties. FtsZ from E. coli containing one cysteine in position 2 was covalently attached to a lipid bilayer containing maleimide lipids either in their head group (to simulate tight attachment) or at the end of a polyethylene glycol molecule attached to the head group (to simulate loose binding). We found that filaments tightly attached grew straight, growing from both ends, until they formed a two-dimensional lattice. Further monomer additions to their sides generated a dense layer of oriented filaments that fully covered the lipid membrane. After this point the surface became unstable and the bilayer detached from the surface. Filaments with a loose binding were initially curved and later evolved into straight thicker bundles that destabilized the membrane after reaching a certain surface density. Previously described theoretical models of FtsZ filament assembly on surfaces that include lateral interactions, spontaneous curvature, torsion, anchoring to the membrane, relative geometry of the surface and the filament ‘living-polymer’ condition in the presence of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) can offer some clues about the driving forces inducing these filament rearrangements.
Collapse
|
11
|
Araújo‐Bazán L, Huecas S, Valle J, Andreu D, Andreu JM. Synthetic developmental regulator MciZ targets FtsZ across
Bacillus
species and inhibits bacterial division. Mol Microbiol 2019; 111:965-980. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Huecas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas CSIC Madrid Spain
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|