Anti-Cell Division Protein FtsZ antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The Cell Division Protein FtsZ also known as FtsZ protein is an important bacterial cytoskeletal protein with a mass of around 40 kDa. It is expressed in most bacteria and some archaea where it plays an essential role in prokaryotic cell division. Mechanically FtsZ assembles into a ring-like structure at the future site of cell division known as the Z-ring. This protein acts as a scaffold and recruits other cellular components necessary for the formation of a septum leading to the successful constriction of the cells and their eventual division.

Biological function summary

Cells rely on FtsZ for defining the site of cytokinesis during cell division. FtsZ functions as a vital element of the divisome complex which is a group of proteins that coordinate the division process in bacteria. Due to its GTPase activity FtsZ hydrolyzes GTP providing the energy required for its polymerization and depolymerization which are important processes in the tightening of the Z-ring. Through this dynamic behavior FtsZ orchestrates the changes in the bacterial cell membrane necessary to create two separate daughter cells.

Pathways

FtsZ participates integrally in bacterial cytokinesis pathways and cellular stress response pathways. It holds a pivotal position in the bacterial cell cycle regulation coordinating its actions with proteins such as ZipA and FtsA essential for the initiation of division. These proteins interact directly with FtsZ forming a stable and dynamic connection important for the accurate timing of cell division events within the cell.

Associated diseases and disorders

Dysfunction in pathways involving FtsZ can contribute to the failure in proper bacterial cell division which may be exploited for antibacterial drug development. Targeting FtsZ in pathogenic bacteria is a promising strategy for novel antibiotic treatment especially since it has no direct homologs in eukaryotes. FtsZ shares relationships with proteins involved in drug resistance mechanisms such as mutations in other division proteins like FtsI causing further complications in treating bacterial infections. Understanding these connections remains significant for developing therapies against resistant bacterial strains.