The roles of GpsB and DivIVA in growth and division.

The spheroid bacterium is often used as a model of morphogenesis due to its apparently simple cell cycle. has many cell division proteins that are conserved across bacteria alluding to common functions. However, despite intensive study, we still do not know the roles of many of these components.

Coupling Novel Probes with Molecular Localization Microscopy Reveals Cell Wall Homeostatic Mechanisms in .

Bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan is essential for viability, and its synthesis is targeted by antibiotics, including penicillin. To determine how peptidoglycan homeostasis controls cell architecture, growth, and division, we have developed novel labeling approaches. These are compatible with super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to examine peptidoglycan synthesis, hydrolysis, and the localization of the enzymes required for its biosynthesis (penicillin binding proteins (PBPs)).

Correlative Super-Resolution Optical and Atomic Force Microscopy Reveals Relationships Between Bacterial Cell Wall Architecture and Synthesis in .

Understanding how bacteria grow and divide requires insight into both the molecular-level dynamics of ultrastructure and the chemistry of the constituent components. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can provide near molecular resolution images of biological systems but typically provides limited chemical information. Conversely, while super-resolution optical microscopy allows localization of particular molecules and chemistries, information on the molecular context is difficult to obtain.

Molecular coordination of cell division.

The bacterial cell wall is essential for viability, but despite its ability to withstand internal turgor must remain dynamic to permit growth and division. Peptidoglycan is the major cell wall structural polymer, whose synthesis requires multiple interacting components. The human pathogen is a prolate spheroid that divides in three orthogonal planes.