Only the N-terminal domain of FtsK functions in cell division

Abstract

Deletion of risK results in the inhibition of cell division, but this inhibition can be reversed by a plasmid carrying only the first ~17% of ftsK. The division block can be suppressed in most mutants by deletion of dacA, which codes for the D-alanine:D-alanine carboxypeptidase PBP5, or in all mutants by overexpression of ftsN. Overexpression of ftsK inhibits cell division and the formation of FtsZ rings. This division block is not due to the induction of either the SOS or the heat shock regulons.