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FtsZ: The Force Awakens

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Journal of the Indian Institute of Science Aims and scope

Abstract

Binary fission of prokaryotic cells depends on a protein called FtsZ that self-assembles into a membrane-associated ring structure (FtsZ-ring) in the early stages of the cell division process. FtsZ is a tubulin homologue, which interacts with many additional proteins contributing to its function forming a ring at the mid-cell, essential for bacterial cell division. Whether the Z-ring is a force-generating machinery or a simple scaffold for organizing all other molecular players is poorly understood. Here, we review briefly the structure, dynamics, and interactions of FtsZ, the Z-ring and its associated proteins and weigh the evidence for and against force production by FtsZ.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Nidhi Yadu and Ardra Namboothiri contributed equally.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita University (Campus), Clappana P.O., 690525, Amritapuri, Vallikavu, Kerala, India

    Nidhi Yadu & Ardra Namboothiri

  2. Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia

    Senthil Arumugam

  3. European Molecular Biological Laboratory Australia (EMBL Australia), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia

    Senthil Arumugam

Authors
  1. Nidhi Yadu
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  2. Ardra Namboothiri
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  3. Senthil Arumugam
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Correspondence to Senthil Arumugam.

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Yadu, N., Namboothiri, A. & Arumugam, S. FtsZ: The Force Awakens. J Indian Inst Sci 101, 31–38 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41745-020-00215-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41745-020-00215-z

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