Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Chimerel C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3793866 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Biochimica et biophysica acta 20120701 7
Indole is a bacterial signalling molecule that blocks E. coli cell division at concentrations of 3-5 mM. We have shown that indole is a proton ionophore and that this activity is key to the inhibition of division. By reducing the electrochemical potential across the cytoplasmic membrane of E. coli, indole deactivates MinCD oscillation and prevents formation of the FtsZ ring that is a prerequisite for division. This is the first example of a natural ionophore regulating a key biological process. ...[more]