Impairment of cell division in tolA mutants of Escherichia coli at low and high medium osmolarities

Mutations in the tolA gene of Escherichia coli cause the cell to become sensitive to detergents and to some antibiotics, to release periplasmic enzymes and to be resistant to group A colicins; tolA mutations also lead to mucoid phenotype. TolA is a three‐domain protein anchored in the inner membrane...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biology of the cell 1999-01, Vol.91 (1), p.67-75
Main Authors: Meury, Jean, Devilliers, Ginette
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacterial Adhesion
Bacterial Proteins - genetics
Bacterial Proteins - physiology
Biological Transport
cellular division
Culture Media - pharmacology
Escherichia coli
Escherichia coli - cytology
Escherichia coli - drug effects
Escherichia coli - genetics
Escherichia coli Proteins
Microscopy, Electron
Osmolar Concentration
osmolarity
Phenotype
Tol proteins
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Summary:Mutations in the tolA gene of Escherichia coli cause the cell to become sensitive to detergents and to some antibiotics, to release periplasmic enzymes and to be resistant to group A colicins; tolA mutations also lead to mucoid phenotype. TolA is a three‐domain protein anchored in the inner membrane by its N‐terminal domain. The second domain is proposed to span the periplasmic space and to interact with trimeric porins of the outer membrane. TolA proteins are considered to be located in the adhesion zones between inner and outer membranes. Our observations by confocal and electron microscopy have revealed that tolA mutants show modified morphology and produce DNA‐free cells. Increasing or decreasing medium osmolarity amplifies these defects; mutants become essentially unable to locate the division site properly so that cells of highly unequal lengths are produced. Moreover, septation is impaired with asymmetric constrictions and oblique septa. These results suggest that TolA could play a role in positioning the division sites via the organisation of either the outer membrane or the possible adhesion zones.
ISSN:0248-4900
1768-322X
DOI:10.1111/j.1768-322X.1999.tb01085.x