Cell division in cocci: localization and properties of theStreptococcus pneumoniaeFtsA protein.

We studied the cytological and biochemical properties of the FtsA protein ofStreptococcus pneumoniae. FtsA is a widespread bacterial cell division protein that belongs to the actin superfamily. InEscherichia coliandBacillus subtilis, FtsA localizes to the septal ring after FtsZ, but its exact role in septation is not known. InS. pneumoniae, we found that, during exponential growth, the protein localizes to the nascent septa, at the equatorial zones of the dividing cells, where an average of 2200 FtsA molecules per cell are present. Likewise, FtsZ was found to localize with the same pattern and to be present at an average of 3000 molecules per cell. Consistent with the colocalization, FtsA was found to interact with FtsZ and with itself. Purified FtsA is able to bind several nucleotides, the affinity being highest for adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and lower for other triphosphates and diphosphates. The protein polymerizesin vitro, in a nucleotide-dependent manner, forming long corkscrew-like helixes, composed of 2 + 2 paired protofilaments. No nucleotide hydrolytic activity was detected. Consistent with the absence of an ATPase activity, the polymers are highly stable and not dynamic. These results suggest that the FtsA protein could also polymerizein vivoand the polymers participate in septation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]