1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Morrison JJ, Camberg JL. Building the Bacterial Divisome at the Septum. Subcell Biochem 2024; 104:49-71. [PMID: 38963483 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-58843-3_4] [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] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Across living organisms, division is necessary for cell survival and passing heritable information to the next generation. For this reason, cell division is highly conserved among eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Among the most highly conserved cell division proteins in eukaryotes are tubulin and actin. Tubulin polymerizes to form microtubules, which assemble into cytoskeletal structures in eukaryotes, such as the mitotic spindle that pulls chromatids apart during mitosis. Actin polymerizes to form a morphological framework for the eukaryotic cell, or cytoskeleton, that undergoes reorganization during mitosis. In prokaryotes, two of the most highly conserved cell division proteins are the tubulin homolog FtsZ and the actin homolog FtsA. In this chapter, the functions of the essential bacterial cell division proteins FtsZ and FtsA and their roles in assembly of the divisome at the septum, the site of cell division, will be discussed. In most bacteria, including Escherichia coli, the tubulin homolog FtsZ polymerizes at midcell, and this step is crucial for recruitment of many other proteins to the division site. For this reason, both FtsZ abundance and polymerization are tightly regulated by a variety of proteins. The actin-like FtsA protein polymerizes and tethers FtsZ polymers to the cytoplasmic membrane. Additionally, FtsA interacts with later stage cell division proteins, which are essential for division and for building the new cell wall at the septum. Recent studies have investigated how actin-like polymerization of FtsA on the lipid membrane may impact division, and we will discuss this and other ways that division in bacteria is regulated through FtsZ and FtsA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josiah J Morrison
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Jodi L Camberg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Naha A, Haeusser DP, Margolin W. Anchors: A way for FtsZ filaments to stay membrane bound. Mol Microbiol 2023; 120:525-538. [PMID: 37503768 PMCID: PMC10593102 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Most bacteria use the tubulin homolog FtsZ to organize their cell division. FtsZ polymers initially assemble into mobile complexes that circle around a ring-like structure at the cell midpoint, followed by the recruitment of other proteins that will constrict the cytoplasmic membrane and synthesize septal peptidoglycan to divide the cell. Despite the need for FtsZ polymers to associate with the membrane, FtsZ lacks intrinsic membrane binding ability. Consequently, FtsZ polymers have evolved to interact with the membrane through adaptor proteins that both bind FtsZ and the membrane. Here, we discuss recent progress in understanding the functions of these FtsZ membrane tethers. Some, such as FtsA and SepF, are widely conserved and assemble into varied oligomeric structures bound to the membrane through an amphipathic helix. Other less-conserved proteins, such as EzrA and ZipA, have transmembrane domains, make extended structures, and seem to bind to FtsZ through two separate interactions. This review emphasizes that most FtsZs use multiple membrane tethers with overlapping functions, which not only attach FtsZ polymers to the membrane but also organize them in specific higher-order structures that can optimize cell division activity. We discuss gaps in our knowledge of these concepts and how future studies can address them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arindam Naha
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UTHealth-Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniel P. Haeusser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UTHealth-Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biology, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA
| | - William Margolin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UTHealth-Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mallik S, Dodia H, Ghosh A, Srinivasan R, Good L, Raghav SK, Beuria TK. FtsE, the Nucleotide Binding Domain of the ABC Transporter Homolog FtsEX, Regulates Septal PG Synthesis in E. coli. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0286322. [PMID: 37014250 PMCID: PMC10269673 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02863-22] [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: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The peptidoglycan (PG) layer, a crucial component of the tripartite E.coli envelope, is required to maintain cellular integrity, protecting the cells from mechanical stress resulting from intracellular turgor pressure. Thus, coordinating synthesis and hydrolysis of PG during cell division (septal PG) is crucial for bacteria. The FtsEX complex directs septal PG hydrolysis through the activation of amidases; however, the mechanism and regulation of septal PG synthesis are unclear. In addition, how septal PG synthesis and hydrolysis are coordinated has remained unclear. Here, we have shown that overexpression of FtsE leads to a mid-cell bulging phenotype in E.coli, which is different from the filamentous phenotype observed during overexpression of other cell division proteins. Silencing of the common PG synthesis genes murA and murB reduced bulging, confirming that this phenotype is due to excess PG synthesis. We further demonstrated that septal PG synthesis is independent of FtsE ATPase activity and FtsX. These observations and previous results suggest that FtsEX plays a role during septal PG hydrolysis, whereas FtsE alone coordinates septal PG synthesis. Overall, our study findings support a model in which FtsE plays a role in coordinating septal PG synthesis with bacterial cell division. IMPORTANCE The peptidoglycan (PG) layer is an essential component of the E.coli envelope that is required to maintain cellular shape and integrity. Thus, coordinating PG synthesis and hydrolysis at the mid-cell (septal PG) is crucial during bacterial division. The FtsEX complex directs septal PG hydrolysis through the activation of amidases; however, its role in regulation of septal PG synthesis is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of FtsE in E.coli leads to a mid-cell bulging phenotype due to excess PG synthesis. This phenotype was reduced upon silencing of common PG synthesis genes murA and murB. We further demonstrated that septal PG synthesis is independent of FtsE ATPase activity and FtsX. These observations suggest that the FtsEX complex plays a role during septal PG hydrolysis, whereas FtsE alone coordinates septal PG synthesis. Our study indicates that FtsE plays a role in coordinating septal PG synthesis with bacterial cell division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunanda Mallik
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Hiren Dodia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Arup Ghosh
- Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ramanujam Srinivasan
- National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Liam Good
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kitahara Y, van Teeffelen S. Bacterial growth - from physical principles to autolysins. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 74:102326. [PMID: 37279609 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
For bacteria to increase in size, they need to enzymatically expand their cell envelopes, and more concretely their peptidoglycan cell wall. A major task of growth is to increase intracellular space for the accumulation of macromolecules, notably proteins, RNA, and DNA. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of how cells coordinate envelope growth with biomass growth, focusing on elongation of rod-like bacteria. We first describe the recent discovery that surface area, but not cell volume, increases in proportion to mass growth. We then discuss how this relation could possibly be implemented mechanistically, reviewing the role of envelope insertion for envelope growth. Since cell-wall expansion requires the well-controlled activity of autolysins, we finally review recent progress in our understanding of autolysin regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kitahara
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie, et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sven van Teeffelen
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie, et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Verheul J, Lodge A, Yau HCL, Liu X, Boelter G, Liu X, Solovyova AS, Typas A, Banzhaf M, Vollmer W, den Blaauwen T. Early midcell localization of Escherichia coli PBP4 supports the function of peptidoglycan amidases. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010222. [PMID: 35604931 PMCID: PMC9166362 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Insertion of new material into the Escherichia coli peptidoglycan (PG) sacculus between the cytoplasmic membrane and the outer membrane requires a well-organized balance between synthetic and hydrolytic activities to maintain cell shape and avoid lysis. Since most bacteria carry multiple enzymes carrying the same type of PG hydrolytic activity, we know little about the specific function of given enzymes. Here we show that the DD-carboxy/endopeptidase PBP4 localizes in a PBP1A/LpoA and FtsEX dependent fashion at midcell during septal PG synthesis. Midcell localization of PBP4 requires its non-catalytic domain 3 of unknown function, but not the activity of PBP4 or FtsE. Microscale thermophoresis with isolated proteins shows that PBP4 interacts with NlpI and the FtsEX-interacting protein EnvC, an activator of amidases AmiA and AmiB, which are needed to generate denuded glycan strands to recruit the initiator of septal PG synthesis, FtsN. The domain 3 of PBP4 is needed for the interaction with NlpI and EnvC, but not PBP1A or LpoA. In vivo crosslinking experiments confirm the interaction of PBP4 with PBP1A and LpoA. We propose that the interaction of PBP4 with EnvC, whilst not absolutely necessary for mid-cell recruitment of either protein, coordinates the activities of PBP4 and the amidases, which affects the formation of denuded glycan strands that attract FtsN. Consistent with this model, we found that the divisome assembly at midcell was premature in cells lacking PBP4, illustrating how the complexity of interactions affect the timing of cell division initiation. Peptidoglycan biosynthesis is a major target for antibacterials. The covalently closed peptidoglycan mesh, called sacculus, protects the bacterium from lysis due to its turgor. Sacculus growth is facilitated by the balanced activities of synthases and hydrolases, and disturbing this balance leads to cell lysis and bacterial death. Because of the large number and possible redundant functions of peptidoglycan hydrolases, it has been difficult to decipher their individual functions. In this paper we show that the DD-endopeptidase PBP4 localizes at midcell during septal peptidoglycan synthesis in Escherichia coli and is involved in the timing of the assembly and activation of the division machinery. This shows that inhibition of certain hydrolases could weaken the cells and might enhance antibiotic action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolanda Verheul
- Bacterial Cell Biology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adam Lodge
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Hamish C. L. Yau
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Bacterial Cell Biology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela Boelter
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Xinwei Liu
- Bacterial Cell Biology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Athanasios Typas
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genome Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural & Computational Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel Banzhaf
- Institute of Microbiology & Infection and School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MB); (WV); (TdB)
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MB); (WV); (TdB)
| | - Tanneke den Blaauwen
- Bacterial Cell Biology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail: (MB); (WV); (TdB)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alcorlo M, Martínez-Caballero S, Molina R, Hermoso JA. Regulation of Lytic Machineries by the FtsEX Complex in the Bacterial Divisome. Subcell Biochem 2022; 99:285-315. [PMID: 36151380 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-00793-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The essential membrane complex FtsE/FtsX (FtsEX), belonging to the ABC transporter superfamily and widespread among bacteria, plays a relevant function in some crucial cell wall remodeling processes such as cell division, elongation, or sporulation. FtsEX plays a double role by recruiting proteins to the divisome apparatus and by regulating lytic activity of the cell wall hydrolases required for daughter cell separation. Interestingly, FtsEX does not act as a transporter but uses the ATPase activity of FtsE to mechanically transmit a signal from the cytosol, through the membrane, to the periplasm that activates the attached hydrolases. While the complete molecular details of such mechanism are not yet known, evidence has been recently reported that clarify essential aspects of this complex system. In this chapter we will present recent structural advances on this topic. The three-dimensional structure of FtsE, FtsX, and some of the lytic enzymes or their cognate regulators revealed an unexpected scenario in which a delicate set of intermolecular interactions, conserved among different bacterial genera, could be at the core of this regulatory mechanism providing exquisite control in both space and time of this central process to assist bacterial survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martín Alcorlo
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry "Rocasolano", CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Siseth Martínez-Caballero
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry "Rocasolano", CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Chemistry of Biomacromolecules, Universidade Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rafael Molina
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry "Rocasolano", CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A Hermoso
- Department of Crystallography and Structural Biology, Institute of Physical Chemistry "Rocasolano", CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Molecular Characterization of the Burkholderia cenocepacia dcw Operon and FtsZ Interactors as New Targets for Novel Antimicrobial Design. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9120841. [PMID: 33255486 PMCID: PMC7761207 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide spread of antimicrobial resistance highlights the need of new druggable cellular targets. The increasing knowledge of bacterial cell division suggested the potentiality of this pathway as a pool of alternative drug targets, mainly based on the essentiality of these proteins, as well as on the divergence from their eukaryotic counterparts. People suffering from cystic fibrosis are particularly challenged by the lack of antibiotic alternatives. Among the opportunistic pathogens that colonize the lungs of these patients, Burkholderia cenocepacia is a well-known multi-drug resistant bacterium, particularly difficult to treat. Here we describe the organization of its division cell wall (dcw) cluster: we found that 15 genes of the dcw operon can be transcribed as a polycistronic mRNA from mraZ to ftsZ and that its transcription is under the control of a strong promoter regulated by MraZ. B. cenocepacia J2315 FtsZ was also shown to interact with the other components of the divisome machinery, with a few differences respect to other bacteria, such as the direct interaction with FtsQ. Using an in vitro sedimentation assay, we validated the role of SulA as FtsZ inhibitor, and the roles of FtsA and ZipA as tethers of FtsZ polymers. Together our results pave the way for future antimicrobial design based on the divisome as pool of antibiotic cellular targets.
Collapse
|
12
|
Structural Characterization of the Essential Cell Division Protein FtsE and Its Interaction with FtsX in Streptococcus pneumoniae. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.01488-20. [PMID: 32873757 PMCID: PMC7468199 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01488-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cell division is a central process that requires exquisite orchestration of both the cell wall biosynthetic and lytic machineries. The essential membrane complex FtsEX, widely conserved across bacteria, plays a central role by recruiting proteins to the divisome apparatus and by regulating periplasmic muralytic activity from the cytosol. FtsEX is a member of the type VII family of the ABC-superfamily, but instead of being a transporter, it couples the ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by FtsE to mechanically transduce a conformational signal that provokes the activation of peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolases. So far, no structural information is available for FtsE. Here, we provide the structural characterization of FtsE, confirming its ATPase nature and revealing regions with high structural plasticity which are key for FtsE binding to FtsX. The complementary binding region in FtsX has also been identified and validated in vivo. Our results provide evidence on how the difference between the ATP/ADP-bound states in FtsE would dramatically alter the interaction of FtsEX with the PG hydrolase PcsB in pneumococcal division. FtsEX is a membrane complex widely conserved across diverse bacterial genera and involved in critical processes such as recruitment of division proteins and in spatial and temporal regulation of muralytic activity during cell division or sporulation. FtsEX is a member of the ABC transporter superfamily. The component FtsX is an integral membrane protein, whereas FtsE is an ATPase and is required for the transmission of a conformational signal from the cytosol through the membrane to regulate the activity of cell wall hydrolases in the periplasm. Both proteins are essential in the major human respiratory pathogenic bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, and FtsX interacts with the modular peptidoglycan hydrolase PcsB at the septum. Here, we report high-resolution structures of pneumococcal FtsE bound to different nucleotides. Structural analysis revealed that FtsE contains all the conserved structural motifs associated with ATPase activity and afforded interpretation of the in vivo dimeric arrangement in both the ADP and ATP states. Interestingly, three specific FtsE regions with high structural plasticity were identified that shape the cavity in which the cytosolic region of FtsX would be inserted. The residues corresponding to the FtsX coupling helix, responsible for contacting FtsE, were identified and validated by in vivo mutagenesis studies showing that this interaction is essential for cell growth and proper morphology.
Collapse
|
13
|
Han H, Wang Z, Li T, Teng D, Mao R, Hao Y, Yang N, Wang X, Wang J. Recent progress of bacterial FtsZ inhibitors with a focus on peptides. FEBS J 2020; 288:1091-1106. [PMID: 32681661 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the rise of antibiotic resistance has become a primary health problem. With the emergence of bacterial resistance, the need to explore and develop novel antibacterial drugs has become increasingly urgent. Filamentous temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ), a crucial cell division protein of bacteria, has become a vital antibacterial target. FtsZ is a filamentous GTPase; it is highly conserved in bacteria and shares less than 20% sequence identity with the eukaryotic cytoskeleton protein tubulin, indicating that FtsZ-targeting antibacterial agents may have a low cytotoxicity toward eukaryotes. FtsZ can form a dynamic Z-ring in the center of the cell resulting in cell division. Furthermore, disturbance in the assembly of FtsZ may affect cellular dynamics and bacterial cell survival, making it a fascinating target for drug development. This review focuses on the recent discovery of FtsZ inhibitors, including peptides, natural products, and other synthetic small molecules, as well as their mechanism of action, which could facilitate the discovery of novel FtsZ-targeting clinical drugs in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Han
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenlong Wang
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Li
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Da Teng
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoyu Mao
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Ya Hao
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Na Yang
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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
|
15
|
Pichoff S, Du S, Lutkenhaus J. Roles of FtsEX in cell division. Res Microbiol 2019; 170:374-380. [PMID: 31376483 PMCID: PMC6899183 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
FtsEX is a member of a small subclass of ABC transporters that uses mechano-transmission to perform work in the periplasm. FtsEX controls periplasmic peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolase activities in many Gram negative and positive organisms to ensure the safe separation of daughter cells during division. In these organisms FtsEX localizes to the Z ring and uses its ATPase activity to regulate its periplasmic effectors. In Escherichia coli, FtsEX also participates in building the divisome and coordinates PG synthesis with PG hydrolysis. This review discusses studies that are beginning to elucidate the mechanisms of FtsEX's various roles in cell division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Pichoff
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Shishen Du
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Joe Lutkenhaus
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mir MA, Srinivasan R, Ajitkumar P. MtFtsX a predicted membrane domain of ABC transporter complex MtFtsEX of Mycobacterium tuberculosis interacts with the cell division protein MtFtsZ. Int J Mycobacteriol 2019; 8:281-286. [PMID: 31512605 DOI: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_98_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial cytokinesis is orchestrated by a complex of dozen of proteins called 'divisome' at the mid-cell site. FtsZ, the eukaryotic tubulin homolog, localizes to the mid-cell site where it polymerizes and forms a cytokinetic Z-ring. The Z-ring acts as a docking platform for other proteins to localize. In model organisms, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, FtsZ is known to interact with several proteins. The role of few of these interactions is known, while of others is yet to be studied. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cell division and its regulation are poorly studied. Although, most of the divisome proteins are conserved in M. tuberculosis, surprisingly the homologues of the protein factors required for membrane association of Z-ring and its stabilization are absent. In E. coli FtsE and FtsX, the constituent ATPase and membrane domains of the ABC transporter complex, localize to the Z-ring immediately after Z-ring stabilizing proteins, ZipA and FtsA. Therefore, investigation of the interaction between MtFtsX and MtFtsZ is demanding. Methods Bacterial two-hybrid system was used to identify the interaction between MtFtsE and MtFtsZ. This interaction was further confirmed by biochemical methods of Ni2+-NTA agarose pull-down and coimmunoprecipitation. Results and Conclusion Here, we demonstrated that MtFtsX interacts with MtFtsZ in vivo and ex-vivo. Further, we showed that self-interacting MtFtsX interacts with MtFtsE. However, we did not find any interaction between MtFtsE and MtFtsZ. These results suggest that the membrane domain MtFtsX of the ABC transporter complex 'MtFtsEX' might be the membrane-tethering and stabilizing factor for Z-ring in M. tuberculosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mushtaq Ahmad Mir
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Asir, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramanujam Srinivasan
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Parthasarathi Ajitkumar
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Brunet YR, Wang X, Rudner DZ. SweC and SweD are essential co-factors of the FtsEX-CwlO cell wall hydrolase complex in Bacillus subtilis. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008296. [PMID: 31437162 PMCID: PMC6705773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The peptidoglycan (PG) sacculus is composed of long glycan strands cross-linked together by short peptides forming a covalently closed meshwork that protects the bacterial cell from osmotic lysis and specifies its shape. PG hydrolases play essential roles in remodeling this three-dimensional network during growth and division but how these autolytic enzymes are regulated remains poorly understood. The FtsEX ABC transporter-like complex has emerged as a broadly conserved regulatory module in controlling cell wall hydrolases in diverse bacterial species. In most characterized examples, this complex regulates distinct PG hydrolases involved in cell division and is intimately associated with the cytokinetic machinery called the divisome. However, in the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis the FtsEX complex is required for cell wall elongation where it regulates the PG hydrolase CwlO that acts along the lateral cell wall. To investigate whether additional factors are required for FtsEX function outside the divisome, we performed a synthetic lethal screen taking advantage of the conditional essentiality of CwlO. This screen identified two uncharacterized factors (SweD and SweC) that are required for CwlO activity. We demonstrate that these proteins reside in a membrane complex with FtsX and that amino acid substitutions in residues adjacent to the ATPase domain of FtsE partially bypass the requirement for them. Collectively our data indicate that SweD and SweC function as essential co-factors of FtsEX in controlling CwlO during cell wall elongation. We propose that factors analogous to SweDC function to support FtsEX activity outside the divisome in other bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yannick R. Brunet
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Xindan Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David Z. Rudner
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Du S, Henke W, Pichoff S, Lutkenhaus J. How FtsEX localizes to the Z ring and interacts with FtsA to regulate cell division. Mol Microbiol 2019; 112:881-895. [PMID: 31175681 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In Escherichia coli, FtsEX, a member of the ABC transporter superfamily, is involved in regulating the assembly and activation of the divisome to couple cell wall synthesis to cell wall hydrolysis at the septum. Genetic studies indicate FtsEX acts on FtsA to begin the recruitment of the downstream division proteins but blocks septal PG synthesis until a signal is received that divisome assembly is complete. However, the details of how FtsEX localizes to the Z ring and how it interacts with FtsA are not clear. Our results show that recruitment of FtsE and FtsX is codependent and suggest that the FtsEX complex is recruited through FtsE interacting with the conserved tail of FtsZ (CCTP), thus adding FtsEX to a growing list of proteins that interacts with the CCTP of FtsZ. Furthermore, we find that the N-terminus of FtsX is not required for FtsEX localization to the Z ring but is required for its functions in cell division indicating that it interacts with FtsA. Taken together, these results suggest that FtsEX first interacts with FtsZ to localize to the Z ring and then interacts with FtsA to promote divisome assembly and regulate septal PG synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shishen Du
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Wyatt Henke
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Sebastien Pichoff
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Joe Lutkenhaus
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Roles of the DedD Protein in Escherichia coli Cell Constriction. J Bacteriol 2019; 201:JB.00698-18. [PMID: 30692172 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00698-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Two key tasks of the bacterial septal-ring (SR) machinery during cell constriction are the generation of an inward-growing annulus of septal peptidoglycan (sPG) and the concomitant splitting of its outer edge into two layers of polar PG that will be inherited by the two new cell ends. FtsN is an essential SR protein that helps trigger the active constriction phase in Escherichia coli by inducing a self-enhancing cycle of processes that includes both sPG synthesis and splitting and that we refer to as the sPG loop. DedD is an SR protein that resembles FtsN in several ways. Both are bitopic inner membrane proteins with small N-terminal cytoplasmic parts and larger periplasmic parts that terminate with a SPOR domain. Though absence of DedD normally causes a mild cell-chaining phenotype, the protein is essential for division and survival of cells with limited FtsN activity. Here, we find that a small N-terminal portion of DedD (NDedD; DedD1-54) is required and sufficient to suppress ΔdedD-associated division phenotypes, and we identify residues within its transmembrane domain that are particularly critical to DedD function. Further analyses indicate that DedD and FtsN act in parallel to promote sPG synthesis, possibly by engaging different parts of the FtsBLQ subcomplex to induce a conformation that permits and/or stimulates the activity of sPG synthase complexes composed of FtsW, FtsI (PBP3), and associated proteins. We propose that, like FtsN, DedD promotes cell fission by stimulating sPG synthesis, as well as by providing positive feedback to the sPG loop.IMPORTANCE Cell division (cytokinesis) is a fundamental biological process that is incompletely understood for any organism. Division of bacterial cells relies on a ring-like machinery called the septal ring or divisome that assembles along the circumference of the mother cell at the site where constriction eventually occurs. In the well-studied bacterium Escherichia coli, this machinery contains over 30 distinct proteins. We identify functionally important parts of one of these proteins, DedD, and present evidence supporting a role for DedD in helping to induce and/or sustain a self-enhancing cycle of processes that are executed by fellow septal-ring proteins and that drive the active constriction phase of the cell division cycle.
Collapse
|
20
|
Disruption of divisome assembly rescued by FtsN-FtsA interaction in Escherichia coli. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E6855-E6862. [PMID: 29967164 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806450115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell division requires the assembly of a protein complex called the divisome. The divisome assembles in a hierarchical manner, with FtsA functioning as a hub to connect the Z-ring with the rest of the divisome and FtsN arriving last to activate the machine to synthesize peptidoglycan. FtsEX arrives as the Z-ring forms and acts on FtsA to initiate recruitment of the other divisome components. In the absence of FtsEX, recruitment is blocked; however, a multitude of conditions allow FtsEX to be bypassed. Here, we find that all such FtsEX bypass conditions, as well as the bypass of FtsK, depend upon the interaction of FtsN with FtsA, which promotes the back-recruitment of the late components of the divisome. Furthermore, our results suggest that these bypass conditions enhance the weak interaction of FtsN with FtsA and its periplasmic partners so that the divisome proteins are brought to the Z-ring when the normal hierarchical pathway is disrupted.
Collapse
|
21
|
Conti J, Viola MG, Camberg JL. FtsA reshapes membrane architecture and remodels the Z-ring in Escherichia coli. Mol Microbiol 2018; 107:558-576. [PMID: 29280220 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cell division in prokaryotes initiates with assembly of the Z-ring at midcell, which, in Escherichia coli, is tethered to the inner leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane through a direct interaction with FtsA, a widely conserved actin homolog. The Z-ring is comprised of polymers of tubulin-like FtsZ and has been suggested to provide the force for constriction. Here, we demonstrate that FtsA exerts force on membranes causing redistribution of membrane architecture, robustly hydrolyzes ATP and directly engages FtsZ polymers in a reconstituted system. Phospholipid reorganization by FtsA occurs rapidly and is mediated by insertion of a C-terminal membrane targeting sequence (MTS) into the bilayer and further promoted by a nucleotide-dependent conformational change relayed to the MTS. FtsA also recruits FtsZ to phospholipid vesicles via a direct interaction with the FtsZ C-terminus and regulates FtsZ assembly kinetics. These results implicate the actin homolog FtsA in establishment of a Z-ring scaffold, while directly remodeling the membrane and provide mechanistic insight into localized cell wall remodeling, invagination and constriction at the onset of division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jodi L Camberg
- Departments of Cell and Molecular Biology.,Nutrition and Food Sciences, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zou Y, Li Y, Dillon JAR. The distinctive cell division interactome of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:232. [PMID: 29233095 PMCID: PMC5727935 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-1140-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial cell division is an essential process driven by the formation of a Z-ring structure, as a cytoskeletal scaffold at the mid-cell, followed by the recruitment of various proteins which form the divisome. The cell division interactome reflects the complement of different interactions between all divisome proteins. To date, only two cell division interactomes have been characterized, in Escherichia coli and in Streptococcus pneumoniae. The cell divison proteins encoded by Neisseria gonorrhoeae include FtsZ, FtsA, ZipA, FtsK, FtsQ, FtsI, FtsW, and FtsN. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the cell division interactome of N. gonorrhoeae using several different methods to identify protein-protein interactions. We also characterized the specific subdomains of FtsA implicated in interactions with FtsZ, FtsQ, FtsN and FtsW. RESULTS Using a combination of bacterial two-hybrid (B2H), glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), nine interactions were observed among the eight gonococcal cell division proteins tested. ZipA did not interact with any other cell division proteins. Comparisons of the N. gonorrhoeae cell division interactome with the published interactomes from E. coli and S. pneumoniae indicated that FtsA-FtsZ and FtsZ-FtsK interactions were common to all three species. FtsA-FtsW and FtsK-FtsN interactions were only present in N. gonorrhoeae. The 2A and 2B subdomains of FtsANg were involved in interactions with FtsQ, FtsZ, and FtsN, and the 2A subdomain was involved in interaction with FtsW. CONCLUSIONS Results from this research indicate that N. gonorrhoeae has a distinctive cell division interactome as compared with other microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Zou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, International Vaccine Centre, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E3, Canada
| | - Yan Li
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, International Vaccine Centre, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E3, Canada.,Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A5, Canada
| | - Jo-Anne R Dillon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada. .,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, International Vaccine Centre, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E3, Canada. .,Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
FtsEX-mediated regulation of the final stages of cell division reveals morphogenetic plasticity in Caulobacter crescentus. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006999. [PMID: 28886022 PMCID: PMC5607218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During its life cycle, Caulobacter crescentus undergoes a series of coordinated shape changes, including generation of a polar stalk and reshaping of the cell envelope to produce new daughter cells through the process of cytokinesis. The mechanisms by which these morphogenetic processes are coordinated in time and space remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the conserved division complex FtsEX controls both the early and late stages of cytokinesis in C. crescentus, namely initiation of constriction and final cell separation. ΔftsE cells display a striking phenotype: cells are chained, with skinny connections between cell bodies resulting from defects in inner membrane fusion and cell separation. Surprisingly, the thin connections in ΔftsE cells share morphological and molecular features with C. crescentus stalks. Our data uncover unanticipated morphogenetic plasticity in C. crescentus, with loss of FtsE causing a stalk-like program to take over at failed division sites. Bacterial cell shape is genetically hardwired and is critical for fitness and, in certain cases, pathogenesis. In most bacteria, a semi-rigid structure called the cell wall surrounds the inner membrane, offering protection against cell lysis while simultaneously maintaining cell shape. A highly dynamic macromolecular structure, the cell wall undergoes extensive remodeling as bacterial cells grow and divide. We demonstrate that a broadly conserved cell division complex, FtsEX, relays signals from the cytoplasm to the cell wall to regulate key developmental shape changes in the α-proteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Consistent with studies in diverse bacteria, we observe strong synthetic interactions between ftsE and cell wall hydrolytic factors, suggesting that regulation of cell wall remodeling is a conserved function of FtsEX. Loss of FtsE causes morphological defects associated with both the early and late stages of division. Intriguingly, without FtsE, cells frequently fail to separate and instead elaborate a thin, tubular structure between cell bodies, a growth mode observed in other α-proteobacteria. Overall, our results highlight the plasticity of bacterial cell shape and demonstrate how altering the activity of one morphogenetic program can produce diverse morphologies resembling those of other bacteria in nature.
Collapse
|
24
|
Du S, Lutkenhaus J. Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome. Mol Microbiol 2017; 105:177-187. [PMID: 28419603 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cell division in Escherichia coli is mediated by a large protein complex called the divisome. Most of the divisome proteins have been identified, but how they assemble onto the Z ring scaffold to form the divisome and work together to synthesize the septum is not well understood. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on divisome assembly and activation as well as provide our perspective on how these two processes might be regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shishen Du
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Joe Lutkenhaus
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Du S, Lutkenhaus J. The N-succinyl-l,l-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase DapE acts through ZapB to promote septum formation in Escherichia coli. Mol Microbiol 2017; 105:326-345. [PMID: 28470834 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Spatial regulation of cell division in Escherichia coli occurs at the stage of Z ring formation. It consists of negative (the Min and NO systems) and positive (Ter signal mediated by MatP/ZapA/ZapB) regulators. Here, we find that N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE) facilitates functional Z ring formation by strengthening the Ter signal via ZapB. DapE depends on ZapB to localize to the Z ring and its overproduction suppresses the division defect caused by loss of both the Min and NO systems. DapE shows a strong interaction with ZapB and requires the presence of ZapB to exert its function in division. Consistent with the idea that DapE strengthens the Ter signal, overproduction of DapE supports cell division with reduced FtsZ levels and provides some resistance to the FtsZ inhibitors MinCD and SulA, while deletion of dapE, like deletion of zapB, exacerbates the phenotypes of cells impaired in Z ring formation such as ftsZ84 or a min mutant. Taken together, our results report DapE as a new component of the divisome that promotes the integrity of the Z ring by acting through ZapB and raises the possibility of the existence of additional divisome proteins that also function in other cellular processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shishen Du
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Joe Lutkenhaus
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
A New Essential Cell Division Protein in Caulobacter crescentus. J Bacteriol 2017; 199:JB.00811-16. [PMID: 28167520 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00811-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cell division is a complex process that relies on a multiprotein complex composed of a core of widely conserved and generally essential proteins and on accessory proteins that vary in number and identity in different bacteria. The assembly of this complex and, particularly, the initiation of constriction are regulated processes that have come under intensive study. In this work, we characterize the function of DipI, a protein conserved in Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria that is essential in Caulobacter crescentus Our results show that DipI is a periplasmic protein that is recruited late to the division site and that it is required for the initiation of constriction. The recruitment of the conserved cell division proteins is not affected by the absence of DipI, but localization of DipI to the division site occurs only after a mature divisome has formed. Yeast two-hybrid analysis showed that DipI strongly interacts with the FtsQLB complex, which has been recently implicated in regulating constriction initiation. A possible role of DipI in this process is discussed.IMPORTANCE Bacterial cell division is a complex process for which most bacterial cells assemble a multiprotein complex that consists of conserved proteins and of accessory proteins that differ among bacterial groups. In this work, we describe a new cell division protein (DipI) present only in a group of bacteria but essential in Caulobacter crescentus Cells devoid of DipI cannot constrict. Although a mature divisome is required for DipI recruitment, DipI is not needed for recruiting other division proteins. These results, together with the interaction of DipI with a protein complex that has been suggested to regulate cell wall synthesis during division, suggest that DipI may be part of the regulatory mechanism that controls constriction initiation.
Collapse
|
27
|
Kawazura T, Matsumoto K, Kojima K, Kato F, Kanai T, Niki H, Shiomi D. Exclusion of assembled MreB by anionic phospholipids at cell poles confers cell polarity for bidirectional growth. Mol Microbiol 2017; 104:472-486. [PMID: 28164388 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cell polarity determines the direction of cell growth in bacteria. MreB actin spatially regulates peptidoglycan synthesis to enable cells to elongate bidirectionally. MreB densely localizes in the cylindrical part of the rod cell and not in polar regions in Escherichia coli. When treated with A22, which inhibits MreB polymerization, rod-shaped cells became round and MreB was diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasmic membrane. A22 removal resulted in restoration of the rod shape. Initially, diffuse MreB started to re-assemble, and MreB-free zones were subsequently observed in the cytoplasmic membrane. These MreB-free zones finally became cell poles, allowing the cells to elongate bidirectionally. When MreB was artificially located at the cell poles, an additional pole was created, indicating that artificial localization of MreB at the cell pole induced local peptidoglycan synthesis. It was found that the anionic phospholipids (aPLs), phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin, which were enriched in cell poles preferentially interact with monomeric MreB compared with assembled MreB in vitro. MreB tended to localize to cell poles in cells lacking both aPLs, resulting in production of Y-shaped cells. Their findings indicated that aPLs exclude assembled MreB from cell poles to establish cell polarity, thereby allowing cells to elongate in a particular direction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Kawazura
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8501, Japan
| | - Kanon Matsumoto
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8501, Japan
| | - Koki Kojima
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8501, Japan
| | - Fumiya Kato
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8501, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kanai
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8501, Japan
| | - Hironori Niki
- Microbial Genetics Laboratory, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan.,Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Sokendai, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shiomi
- Department of Life Science, College of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Cytokinesis in E. coli is organized by a cytoskeletal element designated the Z ring. The Z ring is formed at midcell by the coalescence of FtsZ filaments tethered to the membrane by interaction of FtsZ's conserved C-terminal peptide (CCTP) with two membrane-associated proteins, FtsA and ZipA. Although interaction between an FtsZ monomer and either of these proteins is of low affinity, high affinity is achieved through avidity - polymerization linked CCTPs interacting with the membrane tethers. The placement of the Z ring at midcell is ensured by antagonists of FtsZ polymerization that are positioned within the cell and target FtsZ filaments through the CCTP. The placement of the ring is reinforced by a protein network that extends from the terminus (Ter) region of the chromosome to the Z ring. Once the Z ring is established, additional proteins are recruited through interaction with FtsA, to form the divisome. The assembled divisome is then activated by FtsN to carry out septal peptidoglycan synthesis, with a dynamic Z ring serving as a guide for septum formation. As the septum forms, the cell wall is split by spatially regulated hydrolases and the outer membrane invaginates in step with the aid of a transenvelope complex to yield progeny cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joe Lutkenhaus
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| | - Shishen Du
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Bacterial cell division is driven by the divisome, a ring-shaped protein complex organized by the bacterial tubulin homolog FtsZ. Although most of the division proteins in Escherichia coli have been identified, how they assemble into the divisome and synthesize the septum remains poorly understood. Recent studies suggest that the bacterial actin homolog FtsA plays a critical role in divisome assembly and acts synergistically with the FtsQLB complex to regulate the activity of the divisome. FtsEX, an ATP-binding cassette transporter-like complex, is also necessary for divisome assembly and inhibits division when its ATPase activity is inactivated. However, its role in division is not clear. Here, we find that FtsEX acts on FtsA to regulate both divisome assembly and activity. FtsX interacts with FtsA and this interaction is required for divisome assembly and inhibition of divisome function by ATPase mutants of FtsEX. Our results suggest that FtsEX antagonizes FtsA polymerization to promote divisome assembly and the ATPase mutants of FtsEX block divisome activity by locking FtsA in the inactive form or preventing FtsA from communicating with other divisome proteins. Because FtsEX is known to govern cell wall hydrolysis at the septum, our findings indicate that FtsEX acts on FtsA to promote divisome assembly and to coordinate cell wall synthesis and hydrolysis at the septum. Furthermore, our study provides evidence that FtsA mutants impaired for self-interaction are favored for division, and FtsW plays a critical role in divisome activation in addition to the FtsQLB complex.
Collapse
|
30
|
Broughton CE, Van Den Berg HA, Wemyss AM, Roper DI, Rodger A. Beyond the Discovery Void: New targets for antibacterial compounds. Sci Prog 2016; 99:153-182. [PMID: 28742471 PMCID: PMC10365418 DOI: 10.3184/003685016x14616130512308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotics save many lives, but their efficacy is under threat: overprescription, population growth, and global travel all contribute to the rapid origination and spread of resistant strains. Exacerbating this threat is the fact that no new major classes of antibiotics have been discovered in the last 30 years: this is the "discovery void." We discuss the traditional molecular targets of antibiotics as well as putative novel targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan M. Wemyss
- Molecular Organisation and Assembly in Cells Doctoral Training Centre
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Meier EL, Razavi S, Inoue T, Goley ED. A novel membrane anchor for FtsZ is linked to cell wall hydrolysis in Caulobacter crescentus. Mol Microbiol 2016; 101:265-80. [PMID: 27028265 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In most bacteria, the tubulin-like GTPase FtsZ forms an annulus at midcell (the Z-ring) which recruits the division machinery and regulates cell wall remodeling. Although both activities require membrane attachment of FtsZ, few membrane anchors have been characterized. FtsA is considered to be the primary membrane tether for FtsZ in bacteria, however in Caulobacter crescentus, FtsA arrives at midcell after stable Z-ring assembly and early FtsZ-directed cell wall synthesis. We hypothesized that additional proteins tether FtsZ to the membrane and demonstrate that in C. crescentus, FzlC is one such membrane anchor. FzlC associates with membranes directly in vivo and in vitro and recruits FtsZ to membranes in vitro. As for most known membrane anchors, the C-terminal peptide of FtsZ is required for its recruitment to membranes by FzlC in vitro and midcell recruitment of FzlC in cells. In vivo, overproduction of FzlC causes cytokinesis defects whereas deletion of fzlC causes synthetic defects with dipM, ftsE and amiC mutants, implicating FzlC in cell wall hydrolysis. Our characterization of FzlC as a novel membrane anchor for FtsZ expands our understanding of FtsZ regulators and establishes a role for membrane-anchored FtsZ in the regulation of cell wall hydrolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Meier
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Shiva Razavi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Takanari Inoue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| | - Erin D Goley
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sanyasi S, Majhi RK, Kumar S, Mishra M, Ghosh A, Suar M, Satyam PV, Mohapatra H, Goswami C, Goswami L. Polysaccharide-capped silver Nanoparticles inhibit biofilm formation and eliminate multi-drug-resistant bacteria by disrupting bacterial cytoskeleton with reduced cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24929. [PMID: 27125749 PMCID: PMC4850392 DOI: 10.1038/srep24929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of effective anti-microbial therapeutics has been hindered by the emergence of bacterial strains with multi-drug resistance and biofilm formation capabilities. In this article, we report an efficient green synthesis of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) by in situ reduction and capping with a semi-synthetic polysaccharide-based biopolymer (carboxymethyl tamarind polysaccharide). The CMT-capped AgNPs were characterized by UV, DLS, FE-SEM, EDX and HR-TEM. These AgNPs have average particle size of ~20-40 nm, and show long time stability, indicated by their unchanged SPR and Zeta-potential values. These AgNPs inhibit growth and biofilm formation of both Gram positive (B. subtilis) and Gram negative (E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium) bacterial strains even at concentrations much lower than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints of antibiotics, but show reduced or no cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. These AgNPs alter expression and positioning of bacterial cytoskeletal proteins FtsZ and FtsA. CMT-capped AgNPs can effectively block growth of several clinical isolates and MDR strains representing different genera and resistant towards multiple antibiotics belonging to different classes. We propose that the CMT-capped AgNPs can have potential bio-medical application against multi-drug-resistant microbes with minimal cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Sanyasi
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Patia, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Majhi
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Institute of Physics Campus, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar 751005, India
| | - Satish Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Patia, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | - Mitali Mishra
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Institute of Physics Campus, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar 751005, India
| | - Arnab Ghosh
- Institute of Physics, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar 751005, India
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Patia, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| | | | - Harapriya Mohapatra
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Institute of Physics Campus, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar 751005, India
| | - Chandan Goswami
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, Institute of Physics Campus, Sachivalaya Marg, Bhubaneswar 751005, India
| | - Luna Goswami
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Patia, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Haeusser DP, Margolin W. Splitsville: structural and functional insights into the dynamic bacterial Z ring. Nat Rev Microbiol 2016; 14:305-19. [PMID: 27040757 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2016.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria must divide to increase in number and colonize their niche. Binary fission is the most widespread means of bacterial cell division, but even this relatively simple mechanism has many variations on a theme. In most bacteria, the tubulin homologue FtsZ assembles into a ring structure, termed the Z ring, at the site of cytokinesis and recruits additional proteins to form a large protein machine - the divisome - that spans the membrane. In this Review, we discuss current insights into the regulation of the assembly of the Z ring and how the divisome drives membrane invagination and septal cell wall growth while flexibly responding to various cellular inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Haeusser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Biology Department, Canisius College, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14208, USA
| | - William Margolin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang W, Jeffery CJ. An analysis of surface proteomics results reveals novel candidates for intracellular/surface moonlighting proteins in bacteria. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 12:1420-31. [DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00550g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Dozens of intracellular proteins have a second function on the cell surface, referred to as “intracellular/surface moonlighting proteins”. An analysis of the results of 22 cell surface proteomics studies was performed to address whether the hundreds of intracellular proteins found on the cell surface could be candidates for being additional intracellular/surface moonlighting proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wangfei Wang
- Department of Bioengineering
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Chicago
- USA
| | - Constance J. Jeffery
- Department of Bioengineering
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Chicago
- USA
- Department of Biological Sciences
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Haeusser DP, Rowlett VW, Margolin W. A mutation in Escherichia coli ftsZ bypasses the requirement for the essential division gene zipA and confers resistance to FtsZ assembly inhibitors by stabilizing protofilament bundling. Mol Microbiol 2015; 97:988-1005. [PMID: 26046682 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The earliest step in Escherichia coli cell division consists of the assembly of FtsZ protein into a proto-ring structure, tethered to the cytoplasmic membrane by FtsA and ZipA. The proto-ring then recruits additional cell division proteins to form the divisome. Previously we described an ftsZ allele, ftsZL169R , which maps to the side of the FtsZ subunit and confers resistance to FtsZ assembly inhibitory factors including Kil of bacteriophage λ. Here we further characterize this allele and its mechanism of resistance. We found that FtsZL169R permits the bypass of the normally essential ZipA, a property previously observed for FtsA gain-of-function mutants such as FtsA* or increased levels of the FtsA-interacting protein FtsN. Similar to FtsA*, FtsZL169R also can partially suppress thermosensitive mutants of ftsQ or ftsK, which encode additional divisome proteins, and confers strong resistance to excess levels of FtsA, which normally inhibit FtsZ ring function. Additional genetic and biochemical assays provide further evidence that FtsZL169R enhances FtsZ protofilament bundling, thereby conferring resistance to assembly inhibitors and bypassing the normal requirement for ZipA. This work highlights the importance of FtsZ protofilament bundling during cell division and its likely role in regulating additional divisome activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Haeusser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Veronica W Rowlett
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - William Margolin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Broughton CE, Roper DI, Van Den Berg HA, Rodger A. Bacterial cell division: experimental and theoretical approaches to the divisome. Sci Prog 2015; 98:313-45. [PMID: 26790174 PMCID: PMC10365498 DOI: 10.3184/003685015x14461391862881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cell division is a key event in the bacterial life cycle. It involves constriction at the midcell, so that one cell can give rise to two daughter cells. This constriction is mediated by a ring composed offibrous multimers of the protein FtsZ. However a host of additional factors is involved in the formation and dynamics of this "Z-ring" and this complicated apparatus is collectively known as the "divisome". We review the literature, with an emphasis on mathematical modelling, and show how such theoretical efforts have helped experimentalists to make sense of the at times bewildering data, and plan further experiments.
Collapse
|
37
|
Corrales-Guerrero L, Flores E, Herrero A. Relationships between the ABC-exporter HetC and peptides that regulate the spatiotemporal pattern of heterocyst distribution in Anabaena. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104571. [PMID: 25121608 PMCID: PMC4133259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the model cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, cells called heterocysts that are specialized in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen differentiate from vegetative cells of the filament in the absence of combined nitrogen. Heterocysts follow a specific distribution pattern along the filament, and a number of regulators have been identified that influence the heterocyst pattern. PatS and HetN, expressed in the differentiating cells, inhibit the differentiation of neighboring cells. At least PatS appears to be processed and transferred from cell to cell. HetC is similar to ABC exporters and is required for differentiation. We present an epistasis analysis of these regulatory genes and of genes, hetP and asr2819, successively downstream from hetC, and we have studied the localization of HetC and HetP by use of GFP fusions. Inactivation of patS, but not of hetN, allowed differentiation to proceed in a hetC background, whereas inactivation of hetC in patS or patS hetN backgrounds decreased the frequency of contiguous proheterocysts. A HetC-GFP protein is localized to the heterocysts and especially near their cell poles, and a putative HetC peptidase domain was required for heterocyst differentiation but not for HetC-GFP localization. hetP is also required for heterocyst differentiation. A HetP-GFP protein localized mostly near the heterocyst poles. ORF asr2819, which we denote patC, encodes an 84-residue peptide and is induced upon nitrogen step-down. Inactivation of patC led to a late spreading of the heterocyst pattern. Whereas HetC and HetP appear to have linked functions that allow heterocyst differentiation to progress, PatC may have a role in selecting sites of differentiation, suggesting that these closely positioned genes may be functionally related.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Corrales-Guerrero
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Enrique Flores
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonia Herrero
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Donovan C, Bramkamp M. Cell division in Corynebacterineae. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:132. [PMID: 24782835 PMCID: PMC3989709 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cells must coordinate a number of events during the cell cycle. Spatio-temporal regulation of bacterial cytokinesis is indispensable for the production of viable, genetically identical offspring. In many rod-shaped bacteria, precise midcell assembly of the division machinery relies on inhibitory systems such as Min and Noc. In rod-shaped Actinobacteria, for example Corynebacterium glutamicum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the divisome assembles in the proximity of the midcell region, however more spatial flexibility is observed compared to Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Actinobacteria represent a group of bacteria that spatially regulate cytokinesis in the absence of recognizable Min and Noc homologs. The key cell division steps in E. coli and B. subtilis have been subject to intensive study and are well-understood. In comparison, only a minimal set of positive and negative regulators of cytokinesis are known in Actinobacteria. Nonetheless, the timing of cytokinesis and the placement of the division septum is coordinated with growth as well as initiation of chromosome replication and segregation. We summarize here the current knowledge on cytokinesis and division site selection in the Actinobacteria suborder Corynebacterineae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catriona Donovan
- Department of Biology I, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marc Bramkamp
- Department of Biology I, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bush MJ, Bibb MJ, Chandra G, Findlay KC, Buttner MJ. Genes required for aerial growth, cell division, and chromosome segregation are targets of WhiA before sporulation in Streptomyces venezuelae. mBio 2013; 4:e00684-13. [PMID: 24065632 PMCID: PMC3781837 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00684-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED WhiA is a highly unusual transcriptional regulator related to a family of eukaryotic homing endonucleases. WhiA is required for sporulation in the filamentous bacterium Streptomyces, but WhiA homologues of unknown function are also found throughout the Gram-positive bacteria. To better understand the role of WhiA in Streptomyces development and its function as a transcription factor, we identified the WhiA regulon through a combination of chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) and microarray transcriptional profiling, exploiting a new model organism for the genus, Streptomyces venezuelae, which sporulates in liquid culture. The regulon encompasses ~240 transcription units, and WhiA appears to function almost equally as an activator and as a repressor. Bioinformatic analysis of the upstream regions of the complete regulon, combined with DNase I footprinting, identified a short but highly conserved asymmetric sequence, GACAC, associated with the majority of WhiA targets. Construction of a null mutant showed that whiA is required for the initiation of sporulation septation and chromosome segregation in S. venezuelae, and several genes encoding key proteins of the Streptomyces cell division machinery, such as ftsZ, ftsW, and ftsK, were found to be directly activated by WhiA during development. Several other genes encoding proteins with important roles in development were also identified as WhiA targets, including the sporulation-specific sigma factor σ(WhiG) and the diguanylate cyclase CdgB. Cell division is tightly coordinated with the orderly arrest of apical growth in the sporogenic cell, and filP, encoding a key component of the polarisome that directs apical growth, is a direct target for WhiA-mediated repression during sporulation. IMPORTANCE Since the initial identification of the genetic loci required for Streptomyces development, all of the bld and whi developmental master regulators have been cloned and characterized, and significant progress has been made toward understanding the cell biological processes that drive morphogenesis. A major challenge now is to connect the cell biological processes and the developmental master regulators by dissecting the regulatory networks that link the two. Studies of these regulatory networks have been greatly facilitated by the recent introduction of Streptomyces venezuelae as a new model system for the genus, a species that sporulates in liquid culture. Taking advantage of S. venezuelae, we have characterized the regulon of genes directly under the control of one of these master regulators, WhiA. Our results implicate WhiA in the direct regulation of key steps in sporulation, including the cessation of aerial growth, the initiation of cell division, and chromosome segregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Bush
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Keffer JL, Huecas S, Hammill JT, Wipf P, Andreu JM, Bewley CA. Chrysophaentins are competitive inhibitors of FtsZ and inhibit Z-ring formation in live bacteria. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:5673-8. [PMID: 23932448 PMCID: PMC3768135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2013] [Revised: 07/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial cell division protein FtsZ polymerizes in a GTP-dependent manner to form a Z-ring that marks the plane of division. As a validated antimicrobial target, considerable efforts have been devoted to identify small molecule FtsZ inhibitors. We recently discovered the chrysophaentins, a novel suite of marine natural products that inhibit FtsZ activity in vitro. These natural products along with a synthetic hemi-chrysophaentin exhibit strong antimicrobial activity toward a broad spectrum of Gram-positive pathogens. To define their mechanisms of FtsZ inhibition and determine their in vivo effects in live bacteria, we used GTPase assays and fluorescence anisotropy to show that hemi-chrysophaentin competitively inhibits FtsZ activity. Furthermore, we developed a model system using a permeable Escherichia coli strain, envA1, together with an inducible FtsZ-yellow fluorescent protein construct to show by fluorescence microscopy that both chrysophaentin A and hemi-chrysophaentin disrupt Z-rings in live bacteria. We tested the E. coli system further by reproducing phenotypes observed for zantrins Z1 and Z3, and demonstrate that the alkaloid berberine, a reported FtsZ inhibitor, exhibits auto-fluorescence, making it incompatible with systems that employ GFP or YFP tagged FtsZ. These studies describe unique examples of nonnucleotide, competitive FtsZ inhibitors that disrupt FtsZ in vivo, together with a model system that should be useful for in vivo testing of FtsZ inhibitor leads that have been identified through in vitro screens but are unable to penetrate the Gram-negative outer membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Keffer
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sonia Huecas
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jared T. Hammill
- Center for Chemical Methodologies and Library Development, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Peter Wipf
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M. Andreu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carole A. Bewley
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rocaboy M, Herman R, Sauvage E, Remaut H, Moonens K, Terrak M, Charlier P, Kerff F. The crystal structure of the cell division amidase AmiC reveals the fold of the AMIN domain, a new peptidoglycan binding domain. Mol Microbiol 2013; 90:267-77. [PMID: 23927005 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Binary fission is the ultimate step of the prokaryotic cell cycle. In Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli, this step implies the invagination of three biological layers (cytoplasmic membrane, peptidoglycan and outer membrane), biosynthesis of the new poles and eventually, daughter cells separation. The latter requires the coordinated action of the N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidases AmiA/B/C and their LytM activators EnvC and NlpD to cleave the septal peptidoglycan. We present here the 2.5 Å crystal structure of AmiC which includes the first report of an AMIN domain structure, a β-sandwich of two symmetrical four-stranded β-sheets exposing highly conserved motifs on the two outer faces. We show that this N-terminal domain, involved in the localization of AmiC at the division site, is a new peptidoglycan-binding domain. The C-terminal catalytic domain shows an auto-inhibitory alpha helix obstructing the active site. AmiC lacking this helix exhibits by itself an activity comparable to that of the wild type AmiC activated by NlpD. We also demonstrate the interaction between AmiC and NlpD by microscale thermophoresis and confirm the importance of the active site blocking alpha helix in the regulation of the amidase activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Rocaboy
- Centre d'Ingénierie des Protéines, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Natale P, Pazos M, Vicente M. TheEscherichia colidivisome: born to divide. Environ Microbiol 2013; 15:3169-82. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Natale
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC); C/Darwin n° 3 E-28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Manuel Pazos
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC); C/Darwin n° 3 E-28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Miguel Vicente
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC); C/Darwin n° 3 E-28049 Madrid Spain
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Involvement of FtsE ATPase and FtsX extracellular loops 1 and 2 in FtsEX-PcsB complex function in cell division of Streptococcus pneumoniae D39. mBio 2013; 4:mBio.00431-13. [PMID: 23860769 PMCID: PMC3735124 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00431-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The FtsEX protein complex has recently been proposed to play a major role in coordinating peptidoglycan (PG) remodeling by hydrolases with the division of bacterial cells. According to this model, cytoplasmic FtsE ATPase interacts with the FtsZ divisome and FtsX integral membrane protein and powers allosteric activation of an extracellular hydrolase interacting with FtsX. In the major human respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), a large extracellular-loop domain of FtsX (ECL1FtsX) is thought to interact with the coiled-coil domain of the PcsB protein, which likely functions as a PG amidase or endopeptidase required for normal cell division. This paper provides evidence for two key tenets of this model. First, we show that FtsE protein is essential, that depletion of FtsE phenocopies cell defects caused by depletion of FtsX or PcsB, and that changes of conserved amino acids in the FtsE ATPase active site are not tolerated. Second, we show that temperature-sensitive (Ts) pcsB mutations resulting in amino acid changes in the PcsB coiled-coil domain (CCPcsB) are suppressed by ftsX mutations resulting in amino acid changes in the distal part of ECL1FtsX or in a second, small extracellular-loop domain (ECL2FtsX). Some FtsX suppressors are allele specific for changes in CCPcsB, and no FtsX suppressors were found for amino acid changes in the catalytic PcsB CHAP domain (CHAPPcsB). These results strongly support roles for both ECL1FtsX and ECL2FtsX in signal transduction to the coiled-coil domain of PcsB. Finally, we found that pcsBCC(Ts) mutants (Ts mutants carrying mutations in the region of pcsB corresponding to the coiled-coil domain) unexpectedly exhibit delayed stationary-phase autolysis at a permissive growth temperature. Little is known about how FtsX interacts with cognate PG hydrolases in any bacterium, besides that ECL1FtsX domains somehow interact with coiled-coil domains. This work used powerful genetic approaches to implicate a specific region of pneumococcal ECL1FtsX and the small ECL2FtsX in the interaction with CCPcsB. These findings identify amino acids important for in vivo signal transduction between FtsX and PcsB for the first time. This paper also supports the central hypothesis that signal transduction between pneumococcal FtsX and PcsB is linked to ATP hydrolysis by essential FtsE, which couples PG hydrolysis to cell division. The classical genetic approaches used here can be applied to dissect interactions of other integral membrane proteins involved in PG biosynthesis. Finally, delayed autolysis of the pcsBCC(Ts) mutants suggests that the FtsEX-PcsB PG hydrolase may generate a signal in the PG necessary for activation of the major LytA autolysin as pneumococcal cells enter stationary phase.
Collapse
|
44
|
Massidda O, Nováková L, Vollmer W. From models to pathogens: how much have we learned about Streptococcus pneumoniae cell division? Environ Microbiol 2013; 15:3133-57. [PMID: 23848140 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 06/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an oval-shaped Gram-positive coccus that lives in intimate association with its human host, both as a commensal and pathogen. The seriousness of pneumococcal infections and the spread of multi-drug resistant strains call for new lines of intervention. Bacterial cell division is an attractive target to develop antimicrobial drugs. This review discusses the recent advances in understanding S. pneumoniae growth and division, in comparison with the best studied rod-shaped models, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. To maintain their shape, these bacteria propagate by peripheral and septal peptidoglycan synthesis, involving proteins that assemble into distinct complexes called the elongasome and the divisome, respectively. Many of these proteins are conserved in S. pneumoniae, supporting the notion that the ovococcal shape is also achieved by rounds of elongation and division. Importantly, S. pneumoniae and close relatives with similar morphology differ in several aspects from the model rods. Overall, the data support a model in which a single large machinery, containing both the peripheral and septal peptidoglycan synthesis complexes, assembles at midcell and governs growth and division. The mechanisms generating the ovococcal or coccal shape in lactic-acid bacteria have likely evolved by gene reduction from a rod-shaped ancestor of the same group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orietta Massidda
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Porcell, 4, 09100, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Rico AI, Krupka M, Vicente M. In the beginning, Escherichia coli assembled the proto-ring: an initial phase of division. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:20830-20836. [PMID: 23740256 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r113.479519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell division in Escherichia coli begins by assembling three proteins, FtsZ, FtsA, and ZipA, to form a proto-ring at midcell. These proteins nucleate an assembly of at least 35 components, the divisome. The structuring of FtsZ to form a ring and the processes that effect constriction have been explained by alternative but not mutually exclusive mechanisms. We discuss how FtsA and ZipA provide anchoring of the cytoplasmic FtsZ to the membrane and how a temporal sequence of alternative protein interactions may operate in the maturation and stability of the proto-ring. How the force needed for constriction is generated and how the proto-ring proteins relate to peptidoglycan synthesis remain as the main challenges for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Rico
- From the Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcin Krupka
- From the Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Vicente
- From the Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The first step in bacterial cytokinesis is the assembly of a stable but dynamic cytokinetic ring made up of the essential tubulin homolog FtsZ at the future site of division. Although FtsZ and its role in cytokinesis have been studied extensively, the precise architecture of the in vivo medial FtsZ ring (Z ring) is not well understood. Recent advances in superresolution imaging suggest that the Z ring comprises short, discontinuous, and loosely bundled FtsZ polymers, some of which are tethered to the membrane. A diverse array of regulatory proteins modulate the assembly, stability, and disassembly of the Z ring via direct interactions with FtsZ. Negative regulators of FtsZ play a critical role in ensuring the accurate positioning of FtsZ at the future site of division and in maintaining Z ring dynamics by controlling FtsZ polymer assembly/disassembly processes. Positive regulators of FtsZ are essential for tethering FtsZ polymers to the membrane and promoting the formation of stabilizing lateral interactions, permitting assembly of a mature Z ring. The past decade has seen the identification of several factors that promote FtsZ assembly, presumably through a variety of distinct molecular mechanisms. While a few of these proteins are broadly conserved, many positive regulators of FtsZ assembly are limited to small groups of closely related organisms, suggesting that FtsZ assembly is differentially modulated across bacterial species. In this review, we focus on the roles of positive regulators in Z ring assembly and in maintaining the integrity of the cytokinetic ring during the early stages of division.
Collapse
|
47
|
Dow CE, Rodger A, Roper DI, van den Berg HA. A model of membrane contraction predicting initiation and completion of bacterial cell division. Integr Biol (Camb) 2013; 5:778-95. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ib20273a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
48
|
Abstract
Bacterial cell division is facilitated by the divisome, a dynamic multiprotein assembly localizing at mid-cell to synthesize the stress-bearing peptidoglycan and to constrict all cell envelope layers. Divisome assembly occurs in two steps and involves multiple interactions between more than 20 essential and accessory cell division proteins. Well before constriction and while the cell is still elongating, the tubulin-like FtsZ and early cell division proteins form a ring-like structure at mid-cell. Cell division starts once certain peptidoglycan enzymes and their activators have moved to the FtsZ-ring. Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli simultaneously synthesize and cleave the septum peptidoglycan during division leading to a constriction. The outer membrane constricts together with the peptidoglycan layer with the help of the transenvelope spanning Tol-Pal system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J F Egan
- Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Inhibition of cell division induced by external guide sequences (EGS Technology) targeting ftsZ. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47690. [PMID: 23110089 PMCID: PMC3479136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
EGS (external guide sequence) technology is a promising approach to designing new antibiotics. EGSs are short antisense oligoribonucleotides that induce RNase P-mediated cleavage of a target RNA by forming a precursor tRNA-like complex. The ftsZ mRNA secondary structure was modeled and EGSs complementary to two regions with high probability of being suitable targets were designed. In vitro reactions showed that EGSs targeting these regions bound ftsZ mRNA and elicited RNase P-mediated cleavage of ftsZ mRNA. A recombinant plasmid, pEGSb1, coding for an EGS that targets region “b” under the control of the T7 promoter was generated. Upon introduction of this plasmid into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)(pLysS) the transformant strain formed filaments when expression of the EGS was induced. Concomitantly, E. coli harboring pEGSb1 showed a modest but significant inhibition of growth when synthesis of the EGSb1 was induced. Our results indicate that EGS technology could be a viable strategy to generate new antimicrobials targeting ftsZ.
Collapse
|
50
|
Cendrowicz E, van Kessel SP, van Bezouwen LS, Kumar N, Boekema EJ, Scheffers DJ. Bacillus subtilis SepF binds to the C-terminus of FtsZ. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43293. [PMID: 22912848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cell division is mediated by a multi-protein machine known as the "divisome", which assembles at the site of cell division. Formation of the divisome starts with the polymerization of the tubulin-like protein FtsZ into a ring, the Z-ring. Z-ring formation is under tight control to ensure bacteria divide at the right time and place. Several proteins bind to the Z-ring to mediate its membrane association and persistence throughout the division process. A conserved stretch of amino acids at the C-terminus of FtsZ appears to be involved in many interactions with other proteins. Here, we describe a novel pull-down assay to look for binding partners of the FtsZ C-terminus, using a HaloTag affinity tag fused to the C-terminal 69 amino acids of B. subtilis FtsZ. Using lysates of Escherichia coli overexpressing several B. subtilis cell division proteins as prey we show that the FtsZ C-terminus specifically pulls down SepF, but not EzrA or MinC, and that the interaction depends on a conserved 16 amino acid stretch at the extreme C-terminus. In a reverse pull-down SepF binds to full-length FtsZ but not to a FtsZΔC16 truncate or FtsZ with a mutation of a conserved proline in the C-terminus. We show that the FtsZ C-terminus is required for the formation of tubules from FtsZ polymers by SepF rings. An alanine-scan of the conserved 16 amino acid stretch shows that many mutations affect SepF binding. Combined with the observation that SepF also interacts with the C-terminus of E. coli FtsZ, which is not an in vivo binding partner, we propose that the secondary and tertiary structure of the FtsZ C-terminus, rather than specific amino acids, are recognized by SepF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Cendrowicz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|