Figure 4.

Sequestration of protein aggregates at polar sites allows for aggregate clearance by cell division. In E. coli misfolded proteins are deposited during stress conditions as inclusion bodies at polar sites. The sequestration at these sites is driven by nucleoid occlusion resulting in the accumulation of misfolded protein species or small aggregates at the nucleoid-free space. The formation of a single protein aggregate, which is preferentially deposited at the old cell pole, allows for the asymmetric inheritance of aggregated proteins through cell division. New pole cells that are damage-free show higher growth rates at the expense of old pole cells, which retain the damage.