MreB filaments in the elongasome modulate E. coli membrane curvature.

ABSTRACT: MreB, a bacterial actin homolog, plays a pivotal role in defining the shape of rod-shaped bacteria by coordinating peptidoglycan synthesis during cell elongation. It forms filaments that interact with the cytosolic leaflet of the cell membrane, as well as with membrane proteins and other cytosolic proteins. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the interactions between Escherichia coli (E. coli) MreB and model cytoplasmic membranes. The simulations reveal that MreB filaments recruit cardiolipin and induce membrane bending toward the periplasmic space. Cardiolipin exhibits a concentration-dependent effect on bending, highlighting its critical role in this mechanism. Simulations with MreB mutants identify residues R105 and R136 as key contributors to both car

SUBMITTER: Baileeves BWA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12709425 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature