It takes two DNA translocases to untangle chromosomes from the division septum.
The DNA translocase function of Bacillus subtilis SpoIIIE is essential for spore development and is important during vegetative growth for moving trapped chromosomal DNA away from division septa. Two papers in this issue of Molecular Microbiology, from the teams of Peter Graumann and William Burkholder, have characterized a second SpoIIIE/FtsK-like protein in B. subtilis, SftA. This protein lacks any recognizable transmembrane domain possessed by the other characterized members of the family, yet the protein is shown to be associated with the division septum and, like SpoIIIE, is required for clearing DNA from the septum. However, SftA and SpoIIIE act at different stages of septation and together they ensure maximum fidelity in chromosome segregation.
Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK. l.j.wu@ncl.ac.uk
Ling Juan
LJ
Wu
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D020090:Chromosome Segregation; D002876:Chromosomes, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000254:growth & development*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C030069:spore-specific proteins, Bacillus