title: Modulation of bacterial proliferation as a survival strategy.
abstract: The cell cycle is one of the most fundamental processes in biology, underlying the proliferation and growth of all living organisms. In bacteria, the cell cycle has been extensively studied since the 1950s. Most of this research has focused on cell cycle regulation in a few model bacteria, cultured under standard growth conditions. However in nature, bacteria are exposed to drastic environmental changes. Recent work shows that by modulating their own growth and proliferation bacteria can increase their survival under stressful conditions, including antibiotic treatment. Here, we review the mechanisms that allow bacteria to integrate environmental information into their cell cycle. In particular, we focus on mechanisms controlling DNA replication and cell division. We conclude this chapter by highlighting the importance of understanding bacterial cell cycle and growth control for future research as well as other disciplines.
authors.affiliation: LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Heinrich
authors.affiliation: LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Leslie
authors.affiliation: LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jonas
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002453:Cell Cycle; D002455:Cell Division; D002470:Cell Survival; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins
keywords: Bacterial adaptation; Bacterial cell cycle; Cell division; DNA replication; Growth; Regulation; Stress responses