The cytoskeleton has long been thought to be unique to eukaryotes, but recent studies have revealed that it is also present in prokaryotes such as bacteria. FtsZ, MreB and CreS are similar to microtubule, actin filaments and intermediate filaments in eukaryotic cytoskeleton proteins, in that order. And CreS is present in Bacillus crescents and has an important role in maintaining cell morphology. The researchers also identified microtubule protein homologs BtubA and BtubB in prokaryotes and suggested that they be called "bacterial microtubules" (bMT). CD BioSciences saves you more research time and new discoveries with one-stop protein purification services through a wealth of protein expression systems and technical resources. Design and optimize your protocols with powerful assay kits and imaging systems to obtain high-quality experimental data.
FtsZ
Binary fission is the most common mode of bacterial cell division and is mediated by a multiprotein complex known as the schizonts. FtsZ function during cytokinesis is widely conserved in most prokaryotes because of the strict dependence of FtsZ on specific protein structures. FtsZ can be divided into two major regions: the N-terminal structural domain, which contains the globular core and GTP binding sites, and the C-terminal structural domain, which includes the CTT and CTV. These two components are connected by a central helix (H7).
The FtsZ structure [2].
MreB
MreB is a bacterial cytoskeletal protein that has been extensively studied and is associated with the determination of rod-like structures and important subcellular processes, including cell division, chromosome segregation, cell wall morphogenesis, and cell polarity. MreB is encoded by gene B of the mre gene cluster and belongs to the actin/Hsp 70 superfamily. MreB is known as prokaryotic actin because of its similarity to eukaryotic actin in its monomeric three-dimensional triple structure.
The MreB structure [1].
BtubA/B
The BtubA and B genes are present in some Prosthecobacter species, including P. vanneervenii, P. dejongeii, and P. debontii, but not in P. fluviatilis. In a global phylogenetic analysis of the FtsZ/microtubule superfamily, BtubA and BtubB are stably clustered in the evolutionary branch of the eukaryotic microtubule subfamily. Although BtubA/B may represent an ancient form of microtubule, the origin of the genes found in Prosthecobacter today remains unclear.
BtubA/B tubes have a helical, microtubule-like lattice [3].
Our Services
CD BioSciences provides the most comprehensive services for prokaryotic cytoskeletal protein purification. We can provide label-free purified proteins for structural analysis, natural protein purification, soluble proteins at the gram or kilogram level and beyond. Through strict monitoring and effective execution, we are committed to providing the most valuable solution to complete your project.
The common protein tags we provide are 6xHIS, Flag, GST, c-Myc, eGFP/eCFP/eYFP/mCherry, HA, SUMO, etc.
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CD BioSciences has a professional team and advanced equipment, and the whole process is operated by experienced technicians to provide our customers with cytoskeleton-related research service. If you have any needs, please contact us.
References
- Shi H, et al. How to build a bacterial cell: MreB as the foreman of E. coli construction[J]. Cell, 2018, 172(6): 1294-1305.
- Vélez M. How Does the Spatial Confinement of FtsZ to a Membrane Surface Affect Its Polymerization Properties and Function? [J]. Frontiers in Microbiology, 2022, 13: 757711-757711.
- Pilhofer M, et al. Microtubules in bacteria: ancient tubulins build a five-protofilament homolog of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton[J]. PLoS biology, 2011, 9(12): e1001213.
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.
