Work

High Osmolarity Modulates Bacterial Cell Size through Reducing Initiation Volume in Escherichia coli

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Bacterial cell size depends on growth rate, cell cycle progression, and the cell volume per origin upon initiating chromosome replication (initiation volume). Here, we perform the first systematic and quantitative study of the effect of hyperosmotic stress on the E. coli cell size and cell cycle. We find that hyperosmotic stress significantly reduces the initiation volume. The reduced initiation volume is attributed to the increased DnaA concentration caused by water loss at high osmolarity, indicating a fundamental role of water content in cell size and cell cycle regulation.

Source: mSphere

DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00430-18

Authors: Xiongfeng Dai, Manlu Zhu

Institution: Central China Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Central China Normal University