A sensor histidine kinase co-ordinates cell wall architecture with cell division in Bacillus subtilis

Mol Microbiol. 2008 Aug;69(3):621-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06308.x. Epub 2008 Jun 28.

Abstract

The concerted interconnection between processes driving DNA synthesis, division septum formation and cell wall synthesis and remodelling in rapidly growing bacteria requires precise co-ordination by signalling mechanisms that are, for the most part, unknown. The YycG (sensor histidine kinase)-YycF (response regulator/transcription factor) two-component system of Bacillus subtilis controls the synthesis of enzymes and their inhibitors that function in cell wall remodelling and cell separation. Here it is shown that the YycG sensor histidine kinase is a component of the division septum in growing cells. RT-PCR quantification of YycF approximately PO(4)-regulated gene transcription, in wild type and FtsZ-depleted, septum-less cells, indicated that YycG kinase activity on YycF is dependent on YycG localization to a division septum. The data support a model in which the YycG sensor kinase perceives information at the division septum and regulates the reciprocal synthesis of autolysins and autolysin inhibitors to co-ordinate growth and division with cell wall restructuring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus subtilis / chemistry
  • Bacillus subtilis / enzymology*
  • Bacillus subtilis / genetics
  • Bacillus subtilis / physiology
  • Bacterial Proteins / analysis
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Division*
  • Cell Nucleolus / enzymology
  • Cell Wall / enzymology*
  • Cell Wall / genetics
  • Cell Wall / physiology
  • Histidine Kinase
  • Protein Kinases / analysis
  • Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Protein Kinases
  • Histidine Kinase