title: Dynamic FtsZ polymerization is sensitive to the GTP to GDP ratio and can be maintained at steady state using a GTP-regeneration system.
abstract: In vitro polymerization of the essential bacterial cell division protein FtsZ, in the presence of GTP, is rapid and transient due to its efficient binding and hydrolysis of GTP. In contrast, the in vivo polymeric FtsZ structure which drives cell division - the Z-ring - is present in cells for extended periods of time whilst undergoing constant turnover of FtsZ. It is demonstrated that dynamic polymerization of Escherichia coli FtsZ in vitro is sensitive to the ratio of GTP to GDP concentration. Increase of GDP concentration in the presence of a constant GTP concentration reduces both the duration of FtsZ polymerization and the initial light-scattering maximum which occurs upon addition of GTP. It is also demonstrated that by use of a GTP-regeneration system, polymers of FtsZ can be maintained in a steady state for up to 85 min, while preserving their dynamic properties. The authors therefore present the use of a GTP-regeneration system for FtsZ polymerization as an assay more representative of the in vivo situation, where FtsZ polymers are subject to a constant, relatively high GTP to GDP ratio.
authors.affiliation: University of Manchester, School of Biological Sciences, 2.205 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Small
authors.affiliation: University of Manchester, School of Biological Sciences, 2.205 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Addinall
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020558:GTP Phosphohydrolases / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006153:Guanosine Diphosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D008027:Light; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D001704:Biopolymers; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; C071525:FtsZ protein, Bacteria; D006153:Guanosine Diphosphate; D006160:Guanosine Triphosphate; D020558:GTP Phosphohydrolases; D002118:Calcium