How Does the Spatial Confinement of FtsZ to a Membrane Surface Affect Its Polymerization Properties and Function?

FtsZ is the cytoskeletal protein that organizes the formation of the septal ring and orchestrates bacterial cell division. Its association to the membrane is essential for its function. In this mini-review I will address the question of how this association can interfere with the structure and dynamic properties of the filaments and argue that its dynamics could also remodel the underlying lipid membrane through its activity. Thus, lipid rearrangement might need to be considered when trying to understand FtsZ's function. This new element could help understand how FtsZ assembly coordinates positioning and recruitment of the proteins forming the septal ring inside the cell with the activity of the machinery involved in peptidoglycan synthesis located in the periplasmic space.

Automated summary

FtsZ, a cytoskeletal protein, plays a critical role in organizing the formation of the septal ring and coordinating bacterial cell division. Its association with the cell membrane is essential for its function. This review discusses how this association can affect the structure and dynamics of filaments and suggests that FtsZ's dynamics could also influence the underlying lipid membrane. This new insight could help understand how FtsZ assembly coordinates the positioning and recruitment of proteins in the septal ring with the activity of peptidoglycan synthesis machinery in the periplasmic space.