A function of DivIVA in Listeria monocytogenes division site selection. Issue 3 (23rd September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaval, Karan Gautam; Rismondo, Jeanine; Halbedel, Sven
• Is Part Of: Molecular microbiology. Volume 94:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 637
• Page End: 654
• Publication Date: 2014-09-23
• Subjects: Molecular microbiology -- Periodicals; 572.829
• DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12784
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-382X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Summary</title> <p>The cell division protein DivIVA influences protein transport via the accessory SecA2 secretion route in <italic>L</italic><italic>isteria monocytogenes</italic>. In contrast, DivIVA from the closely related bacterium <italic>B</italic><italic>acillus subtilis</italic> contributes to division site selection via the MinCDJ system. However, no classical <italic>min</italic> phenotype, i.e. filamentation and minicell production was observed with a listerial Δ<italic>divIVA</italic> mutant. This has prompted the speculation that division site selection is DivIVA‐independent in <italic>L</italic><italic>. monocytogenes</italic>. We addressed this question with genetic, cytological and bacterial two‐hybrid experiments and the data obtained correct this view. DivIVA not only binds to MinJ but also directly interacts with MinD. Experiments with fluorescently tagged proteins showed that localization of MinC and MinD was clearly DivIVA‐dependent, whereas localization of MinJ was not. An impact of DivIVA on cell division was confirmed by careful comparisons of cell size distributions of <italic>divIVA</italic> and <italic>secA2</italic> mutants. Gene deletion studies and epistasis experiments consistently reinforced these findings, and also revealed that MinJ must have a DivIVA‐independent function. The frequency of minicell formation is low in <italic>L</italic><italic>. monocytogenes</italic> <italic>min</italic> mutants. However, since listerial minicells might be useful as carriers for the introduction of therapeutic compounds into eukaryotic cells, we present a strategy how minicell frequency can be increased.</p> </abstract>