Direct evidence for active segregation of oriC regions of the Bacillus subtilis chromosome and co-localization with the SpoOJ partitioning protein

Mol Microbiol. 1997 Sep;25(5):945-54. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1997.mmi530.x.

Abstract

We have developed methods for labelling regions of the Bacillus subtilis chromosome with the nucleotide analogue 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and for subcellular visualization of the labelled DNA. Examination of oriC-labelled chromosomes in outgrowing spores has provided direct evidence for active segregation of sister chromosomes. Co-immunodetection of Spo0J and BrdU-labelled DNA has directly confirmed the expected close association between this chromosome partitioning protein and the oriC region of the chromosome. The results provide further support for the notion that bacterial cells use an active mitotic-like mechanism to segregate their chromosomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus subtilis / genetics*
  • Bacillus subtilis / physiology*
  • Bacterial Proteins / analysis
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology*
  • Bromodeoxyuridine / metabolism
  • Chromosomes, Bacterial / chemistry
  • Chromosomes, Bacterial / genetics
  • Chromosomes, Bacterial / physiology*
  • DNA Replication / genetics
  • DNA Replication / physiology
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Replication Origin / genetics
  • Replication Origin / physiology*
  • Sigma Factor*
  • Spores, Bacterial / chemistry
  • Spores, Bacterial / genetics
  • Spores, Bacterial / physiology
  • Transcription Factors*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Sigma Factor
  • Transcription Factors
  • spoIIR protein, Bacillus subtilis
  • spore-specific proteins, Bacillus
  • Bromodeoxyuridine