Evidence that the SpoIIIE DNA translocase participates in membrane fusion during cytokinesis and engulfment.

ABSTRACT: During Bacillus subtilis sporulation, SpoIIIE is required for translocation of the trapped forespore chromosome across the sporulation septum, for compartmentalization of cell-specific gene expression, and for membrane fusion after engulfment. We isolated mutations within the SpoIIIE membrane domain that block localization and function. One mutant protein initially localizes normally and completes DNA translocation, but shows reduced membrane fusion after engulfment. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments demonstrate that in this mutant the sporulation septum remains open, allowing cytoplasmic contents to diffuse between daughter cells, suggesting that it blocks membrane fusion after cytokinesis as well as after engulfment. We propose that SpoIIIE catalyses these topologica

SUBMITTER: Liu NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2885140 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature