CdrS Is a Global Transcriptional Regulator Influencing Cell Division in Haloferax volcanii
Yan Liao, Verena Vogel, Sabine Hauber, Jürgen Bartel, Omer S. Alkhnbashi, Sandra Maaß, Thandi S. Schwarz, Rolf Backofen, Dörte Becher, Iain G. Duggin, Anita Marchfelder
Abstract
using a cell division apparatus based on the tubulin-like cytoskeletal protein FtsZ, as in bacteria. Here, we identify the small protein CdrS as essential for survival and a central regulator of cell division in the euryarchaeon Haloferax volcanii. CdrS also appears to coordinate other cellular pathways, including synthesis of signaling molecules and protein degradation. Our results show that CdrS plays a sophisticated role in cell division, including regulation of numerous associated genes. These findings are expected to initiate investigations into conditional regulation of division in archaea.