Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton is important for cell polarity and morphogenesis in eukaryotic organisms. A recent article describes an unexpected requirement for the actin-like protein MreB in the polarization of the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. More surprisingly, the formation of a filamentous MreB structure that traverses the length of the cell is sufficient for randomized polar localization of cell-fate proteins. In this article, we discuss the significance of these findings and the possible mechanisms by which an actin-like cytoskeleton could mediate cell polarity in bacteria.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 532-536 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Trends in Cell Biology |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cell Biology