Figure 7.

(A) Model showing the dynamic distribution of FtsZ polymers coupled to Min oscillations in membranes containing ZipA. In the Min system, MinD and MinE govern this oscillation behavior. MinC is a weak inhibitor of FtsZ polymerization that together with the membrane-bound MinD forms an inhibitory complex, preventing FtsZ polymers from accumulating in its vicinity. MinE (omitted in this figure for simplicity) acts on the membrane-bound MinCD complex and induces its dissociation. In this work, the MinCDE waves were observed by time-resolved confocal imaging as they displaced the fluorescent signal of FtsZ from the membrane. Thus, a maximal concentration of MinC correlates with a minimal concentration of FtsZ on the membrane. The Min-FtsZ coupling is facilitated at high surface densities of ZipA and enhanced by crowding-induced lateral interactions of FtsZ polymers (for simplicity, crowders are not represented here). (B) Effect of membrane recruitment of FtsZ polymers by ZipA: FtsZ waves in antiphase with the MinCDE waves are formed when FtsZ is anchored to the membrane through ZipA, resulting in an efficient dislodgment of FtsZ from the membrane regions where MinC is present. Correlated MinCDE and FtsZ waves are found when FtsZ is not anchored to the membrane by ZipA. To see this figure in color, go online.