Understanding the molecular mechanism of chromosome segregation by the Escherichia coli Min system

• Applicant: Professorin Barbara Di Ventura, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Cell Biology
• Term: from 2015 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 269375034

Whether bacteria segregate their chromosomes by passive or active mechanisms has been a long-standing debate. Recently, we discovered a novel Brownian ratchet-type mechanism of chromosome segregation mediated by the ATPase MinD, that is part of the oscillatory Min system that determines mid-cell in Escherichia coli. With this proposal, we aim at deepening our understanding of this chromosome segregation mechanism at the molecular level. Specifically, we aim at identifying a) the surface used by MinD for DNA binding; b) the existence of DNA motifs or chromosomal macrodomains to which MinD might bind with higher affinity; and c) the role of the two other Min proteins, MinC and MinE, in chromosome segregation. Finally, we aim at engineering an optogenetic tool that will allow studying the effect of Min oscillations on chromosome segregation in single cells by turning oscillations on and off via blue light. We believe that our studies will significantly advance the understanding of bacterial chromosome segregation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants