A dynamin-like protein involved in bacterial cell membrane surveillance under environmental stress.

In ever-changing natural environments, bacteria are continuously challenged with numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Accordingly, they have evolved both specific and more general mechanisms to counteract stress-induced damage and ensure survival. In the soil habitat of Bacillus subtilis, peptide antibiotics and bacteriophages are among the primary stressors that affect the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane.

Identification of interaction partners of the dynamin-like protein DynA from Bacillus subtilis.

Membrane dynamics are involved in crucial processes in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Membrane fusion and fission events are often catalyzed by proteins that belong to the dynamin family of large GTPases. It has recently been shown that members of the dynamin superfamily are also present in many bacterial species.