Key role of two terminal domains in the bidirectional polymerization of FtsA protein

J Biol Chem. 2012 Mar 2;287(10):7756-65. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M111.311563. Epub 2012 Jan 14.

Abstract

The effect of two different truncations involving either the 1C domain or the simultaneous absence of the S12-13 β-strands of the FtsA protein from Streptococcus pneumoniae, located at opposite terminal sides in the molecular structure, suggests that they are essential for ATP-dependent polymerization. These two truncated proteins are not able to polymerize themselves but can be incorporated to some extent into the FtsA(+) polymers during the assembling process. Consequently, they block the growth of the FtsA(+) polymers and slow down the polymerization rate. The combined action of the two truncated proteins produces an additive effect on the inhibition of FtsA(+) polymerization, indicating that each truncation affects a different interaction site within the FtsA molecule.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / chemistry
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism*
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Multimerization / physiology*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / chemistry
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • FtsA protein, Bacteria
  • Adenosine Triphosphate