RodZ (YfgA) is required for proper assembly of the MreB actin cytoskeleton and cell shape in E. coli.

ABSTRACT: The bacterial MreB actin cytoskeleton is required for cell shape maintenance in most non-spherical organisms. In rod-shaped cells such as Escherichia coli, it typically assembles along the long axis in a spiral-like configuration just underneath the cytoplasmic membrane. How this configuration is controlled and how it helps dictate cell shape is unclear. In a new genetic screen for cell shape mutants, we identified RodZ (YfgA) as an important transmembrane component of the cytoskeleton. Loss of RodZ leads to misassembly of MreB into non-spiral structures, and a consequent loss of cell shape. A juxta-membrane domain of RodZ is essential to maintain rod shape, whereas other domains on either side of the membrane have critical, but partially redundant, functions. Though one of these domains r

SUBMITTER: Bendezu FO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2637328 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature