The roles of GpsB and DivIVA inStaphylococcus aureusgrowth and division

Abstract

AbstractThe spheroid bacteriumS. aureusis often used as a model of morphogenesis due to its apparent simple cell cycle.S. aureushas many cell division proteins that are conserved across bacteria alluding to common functions. However, despite intensive study we still do not know the roles of many of these components. Here we have examined the functions of the paralogues DivIVA and GpsB in theS. aureuscell cycle. Cells lackinggpsBdisplay a more spherical phenotype than wild type, associated with a decrease in peripheral cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis. This correlates with an increased localisation of penicillin binding proteins at the developing septum, notably PBPs 2 and 3. Our results highlight the role of GpsB as an apparent regulator of cell morphogenesis inS.aureus.