The minimalistic divisome reveals power of the cell division machinery

Bacterial resistance towards antibiotics is an increasing worldwide health problem with the potential to seriously endanger modern medicine without prudent measures. Bacteria use an array of mechanisms to by-pass the activities of antibiotics available to treat bacterial infections for example by mutations in their genome. By doing so, they acquire resistance to antibiotics and these genetic changes can be passed on to other bacteria. Traditionally, the search for antimicrobials were done by screening for natural compounds working against bacteria. In the search for novel antimicrobials, understanding the physiology of bacteria is becoming increasingly important, including how cell division in bacteria works. Knowledge on cell division will contribute to the design of novel synthetic compounds that target this vital bacterial process. In this thesis, I have determined the minimal number of proteins the Gram-positive model organism Bacillus subtilis requires to form a FtsZ ring, which is the first major step in cell division. In addition, I have also investigated the interaction between the DNA translocase SftA and the conserved cell division protein SepF in B. subtilis. Finally, I have investigated the molecular cues determining the localization of the chemoreceptor Tar in the Gram-negative model organism E. coli.