Geometric principles underlying the proliferation of a model cell system

Ling Juan Wu (), Seoungjun Lee, Sungshic Park, Lucy E. Eland, Anil Wipat, Séamus Holden and Jeff Errington ()
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Ling Juan Wu: Newcastle University
Seoungjun Lee: Newcastle University
Sungshic Park: Newcastle University
Lucy E. Eland: Newcastle University
Anil Wipat: Newcastle University
Séamus Holden: Newcastle University
Jeff Errington: Newcastle University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Many bacteria can form wall-deficient variants, or L-forms, that divide by a simple mechanism that does not require the FtsZ-based cell division machinery. Here, we use microfluidic systems to probe the growth, chromosome cycle and division mechanism of Bacillus subtilis L-forms. We find that forcing cells into a narrow linear configuration greatly improves the efficiency of cell growth and chromosome segregation. This reinforces the view that L-form division is driven by an excess accumulation of surface area over volume. Cell geometry also plays a dominant role in controlling the relative positions and movement of segregating chromosomes. Furthermore, the presence of the nucleoid appears to influence division both via a cell volume effect and by nucleoid occlusion, even in the absence of FtsZ. Our results emphasise the importance of geometric effects for a range of crucial cell functions, and are of relevance for efforts to develop artificial or minimal cell systems.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17988-7

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