Fig. 6. Schematic model depicting the possible mode of action of SepF in the early stages of Z-ring assembly and septum formation.

a Formation of the FtsZ-SepF complex in the cytoplasm leads to FtsZ filament bundling. b At the membrane, homodimeric SepF molecules bound to FtsZ filaments would sustain membrane tethering (top), while membrane-bound polymerized SepF would play an active role in remodeling the lipid bilayer for septum formation (bottom).