Work

MksB is a novel mycobacterial condensin that orchestrates spatiotemporal positioning of replication machinery

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Condensins play important roles in maintaining bacterial chromatin integrity. In mycobacteria, three types of condensins have been characterized: a homolog of SMC and two MksB-like proteins, the recently identified MksB and EptC. Previous studies suggest that EptC contributes to defending against foreign DNA, while SMC and MksB may play roles in chromosome organization. Here, we report for the first time that the condensins, SMC and MksB, are involved in various DNA transactions during the cell cycle of Mycobacterium smegmatis (currently named Mycolicibacterium smegmatis). SMC appears to be required during the last steps of the cell cycle, where it contributes to sister chromosome separation. Intriguingly, in contrast to other bacteria, mycobacterial MksB follows replication forks during chromosome replication and hence may be involved in organizing newly replicated DNA.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70054-w

Authors: Hanna Bułacz, Joanna Hołówka, Wiktoria Wójcik, Jolanta Zakrzewska-Czerwińska

Institution: University of Wrocław

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: $2,590

Funder: Narodowe Centrum Nauki