Cell wall synthesis is necessary for membrane dynamics during sporulation of Bacillus subtilis.

ABSTRACT: During Bacillus subtilis sporulation, an endocytic-like process called engulfment results in one cell being entirely encased in the cytoplasm of another cell. The driving force underlying this process of membrane movement has remained unclear, although components of the machinery have been characterized. Here we provide evidence that synthesis of peptidoglycan, the rigid, strength bearing extracellular polymer of bacteria, is a key part of the missing force-generating mechanism for engulfment. We observed that sites of peptidoglycan synthesis initially coincide with the engulfing membrane and later with the site of engulfment membrane fission. Furthermore, compounds that block muropeptide synthesis or polymerization prevented membrane migration in cells lacking a component of the engulfmen

SUBMITTER: Meyer P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2893020 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature