Transcription factor SpoOA switches the localization of the cell division protein FtsZ from a medial to a bipolar pattern in Bacillus subtilis

Petra Anne Levin, Richard Losick

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

222 Scopus citations

Abstract

Entry into sporulation by the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis is governed by two transcription factors, Spo0A and σH, and involves a switch in the site of division from a medial to a polar location. We report that at the onset of sporulation, assembly of the cell division protein FtsZ shifts from midcell to potential division sites near both poles. The switch to a bipolar pattern of FtsZ localization is dependent on Spo0A. Additionally, synthesis of an activated form of Spo0A during growth artificially activates the switch in FtsZ localization and results in the formation of polar septa. The σH factor, on the other hand, is dispensable for the switch in the position of the FtsZ assembly site, although it is required for formation of the polar septum. Our results suggest that during the transition from growth to sporulation, Spo0A induces the expression of genes that suppress FtsZ assembly at the midcell site and activate sites at both poles, whereas σH induces genes required for a subsequent step in cytokinesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)478-488
Number of pages11
JournalGenes and Development
Volume10
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 15 1996

Keywords

  • Bacillus subtilis
  • Cell division
  • FtsZ
  • Immunofluorescence microscopy
  • Sporulation
  • Transcription factor

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