Robust and resource-optimal dynamic pattern formation of Min proteins in vivo.

ABSTRACT: The Min protein system prevents abnormal cell division in bacteria by forming oscillatory patterns between cell poles. However, predicting the protein concentrations at which oscillations start and whether cells can maintain them under physiological perturbations remains challenging. Here we show that dynamic pattern formation is robust across a wide range of Min protein levels and variations in the growth physiology using genetically engineered Escherichia coli strains. We modulate the expression of minCD and minE under fast- and slow-growth conditions and build a MinD versus MinE phase diagram that reveals dynamic patterns, including travelling and standing waves. We found that the natural expression level of Min proteins is resource-optimal and robust to changes in

SUBMITTER: Ren Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12263437 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature