Role of DivIVA proteins in mycobacterial cell division

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the second leading cause of mortality among infectious diseases. Mtb extensively remodels its cell-survival dynamics inside the host including the process of its division. Hence it is imperative to understand mycobacterial cell division. It is known that Mtb DivIVA protein called Wag31 is essential for cell elongation and maintains cellular morphology. The function of other DivIVA proteins remains obscure. We have identified two additional novel DivIVA domain containing proteins in mycobacteria. Our work with deletion mutants indicates their critical roles in maintaining cellular morphology and growth. We would like to utilize single-cell imaging approaches to study the localization of these proteins during the mycobacterial cell cycle as well as elucidate their role by monitoring the phenotypic effects upon overexpression and deletion of these genes. Insights gained from the above experiments would be crucial towards identification of new anti-TB drug targets.

Faculty Supervisor:

Neeraj Dhar

Student:

Partner:

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: