Title: Chromosome dynamics in Bacillus subtilis
Description: Organization and segregation of the replicated chromosomes are essential components of cell division in all organisms, but are poorly understood in bacteria. We have developed a sensitive and quantitative chromosome organization assay in Bacillus subtilis that takes advantage of the unique manner in which the replicated chromosomes are segregated during sporulation. We have used this assay to analyze the role of trans -acting proteins and cis -acting DNA sequences in organizing the chromosome. Several factors have been implicated in chromosome organization in B. subtilis including the chromosomally encoded homologues of the plasmid partitioning system, Soj (ParA), Spo0J (ParB) and its cognate DNA binding sequence ( parS ); the Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) condensation complex; and the sporulation specific remodeling and anchoring protein RacA and its cognate binding site ( ram ).

Previous models suggested that Spo0J organizes the origin region by gathering eight origin-proximal binding sites ( parS sites) into a single nucleoprotein complex. Using our quantitative single-cell based assay and systematic deletion of the parS sites, we show that gathering dispersed sites is not responsible for chromosome organization. This finding led us to the discovery that Spo0J bound to parS recruits the Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) condensation complex to the origin. These data support a new model in which recruitment of the SMC complex to the origin by Spo0J- parS organizes the origin region and promotes efficient chromosome segregation. Also, we have assessed the role of RacA in chromosome organization using our fluorescent assay. Our results suggest that RacA, which binds to ∼25 ram sites in the origin-proximal region of the chromosome, plays an important role in anchoring the origin region to the poles, but does not appear to significantly affect chromosome organization. Finally, our data suggest that substantial redundancy exists among the ram sites in their role in anchoring the origin region.