Dynamic Remodeling of the Magnetosome Membrane Is Triggered by the Initiation of Biomineralization.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

Magnetotactic bacteria produce chains of membrane-bound organelles that direct the biomineralization of magnetic nanoparticles. These magnetosome compartments are a model for studying the biogenesis and subcellular organization of bacterial organelles. Previous studies have suggested that discrete gene products build and assemble magnetosomes in a stepwise fashion. Here, using an inducible system, we show that the stages of magnetosome formation are highly dynamic and interconnected. During de novo formation, magnetosomes first organize into discontinuous chain fragments that are subsequently connected by the bacterial actin-like protein MamK. We also find that magnetosome membranes are not uniform in size and can grow in a biomineralization-dependent manner. In the abse

SUBMITTER: Cornejo E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4791847 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature