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Characterization and subcellular localization of a bacterial flotillin homologue

University of Cologne

ABSTRACT

The process of endospore formation in Bacillus subtilis is complex, requiring the generation of two distinct cell types, a forespore and larger mother cell. The development of these cell types is controlled and regulated by cell-type specific gene expression, activated by a sigma factor cascade. Activation of these cell-type specific sigma factors is coupled with the completion of polar septation. Here we describe a novel protein, YuaG, a eukaryotic reggie/flotillin homologue that is involved in the early stages of sporulation of the Gram-positive model organism Bacillus subtilis. YuaG localizes in discrete foci in the membrane and is highly dynamic. Purification of detergent resistant membranes (DRM) revealed that YuaG is associated with negatively charged phospholipids, e.g. phosphatidylglycerol (PG) or cardiolipin (CL). However, localization of YuaG is not always dependent on PG/CL in vivo. A yuaG disruption strain shows a delay in the onset of sporulation along with reduced sporulation efficiency, where the spores develop to a certain stage and then appear to be trapped at this stage. Our results indicate that YuaG is involved in the early stage of spore development, most likely playing a role in the signalling cascade at the onset of sporulation.

¹ E-mail: marc.bramkamp{at}uni-koeln.de