Reconstitution of contractile FtsZ rings in liposomes

Science. 2008 May 9;320(5877):792-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1154520. Epub 2008 Apr 17.

Abstract

FtsZ is a tubulin homolog and the major cytoskeletal protein in bacterial cell division. It assembles into the Z ring, which contains FtsZ and a dozen other division proteins, and constricts to divide the cell. We have constructed a membrane-targeted FtsZ (FtsZ-mts) by splicing an amphipathic helix to its C terminus. When mixed with lipid vesicles, FtsZ-mts was incorporated into the interior of some tubular vesicles. There it formed multiple Z rings that could move laterally in both directions along the length of the liposome and coalesce into brighter Z rings. Brighter Z rings produced visible constrictions in the liposome, suggesting that FtsZ itself can assemble the Z ring and generate a force. No other proteins were needed for assembly and force generation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology*
  • Cell Membrane / physiology*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / genetics
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / physiology*
  • Escherichia coli / physiology*
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / genetics
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / physiology*
  • Liposomes
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Transport
  • Recombinant Proteins

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • FtsA protein, Bacteria
  • FtsZ protein, Bacteria
  • Liposomes
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins