A Newly Identified Prophage Gene, <i>ymfM</i> , Causes SOS-Inducible Filamentation in Escherichia coli
Shirin Ansari, James Walsh, Amy L. Bottomley, Iain G. Duggin, Catherine Burke, Elizabeth J. Harry
Abstract
Here we have identified a bacteriophage-encoded cell division inhibitor which contributes to the filamentation that occurs during the SOS response. Our work highlights that there are multiple pathways that inhibit cell division during stress. Identifying and characterising these pathways is a critical step in understanding survival tactics of bacteria which become important when combating the development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and their pathogenicity.
Topics & Concepts
FilamentationProphageBiologyEscherichia coliBacteriophageMicrobiologyBacteriaSOS responseGeneLysogenic cycleGeneticsEnterobacteriaceaePhysicsOpticsLaserBacterial Genetics and BiotechnologyBacteriophages and microbial interactionsRNA and protein synthesis mechanisms