
FtsZ is a tubulin homolog and the major cytoskeletal protein in bacterial cell division. It assembles into the Z ring, which contains FtsZ and a dozen other division proteins, and constricts to divide the cell. We have constructed a membrane-targeted FtsZ (FtsZ-mts) by splicing an amphipathic helix to its C terminus. When mixed with lipid vesicles, FtsZ-mts was incorporated into the interior of some tubular vesicles. There it formed multiple Z rings that could move laterally in both directions along the length of the liposome and coalesce into brighter Z rings. Brighter Z rings produced visible constrictions in the liposome, suggesting that FtsZ itself can assemble the Z ring and generate a force. No other proteins were needed for assembly and force generation.
Cytoskeletal Proteins, Protein Transport, Bacterial Proteins, Escherichia coli Proteins, Cell Membrane, Liposomes, Escherichia coli, Membrane Proteins, Recombinant Proteins, Protein Binding
Cytoskeletal Proteins, Protein Transport, Bacterial Proteins, Escherichia coli Proteins, Cell Membrane, Liposomes, Escherichia coli, Membrane Proteins, Recombinant Proteins, Protein Binding
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