UCSD - University of California - San Diego

05/05/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/05/2025 11:47

Min Proteins for Max Efficiency During Cell Division

Published Date

May 05, 2025

Article Content

The Min protein system prevents abnormal cell division in bacteria by forming oscillating patterns between the ends of a cell ("poles"). Despite decades of theoretical work, predicting the protein concentrations at which oscillations start and whether cells can maintain them under different conditions has been a challenge. Understanding these thresholds is important because they reveal how efficient this self-organizing system is in guiding division to the right place.

UC San Diego researchers have engineered Escherichia colicells to independently control Min protein expression levels. In their work, the team was able to show that oscillations were stable across a wide range of concentrations, with E. coliproducing only the minimal necessary amounts while maintaining a constant oscillation wavelength.

Standing wave pattern of MinD protein.

The results provide a powerful example of the potential of integrating quantitative cell physiology and biophysical modelling to understand the fundamental mechanisms controlling cell division machinery. This integrated approach reframes long-standing research questions and opens new avenues for inquiry. Such cross-disciplinary strategies can unlock further insights into cellular organization and function.

The study was published May 5, 2025 in Nature Physics. UC San Diego authors are Suckjoon Jun, Michael Sandler, Ziyuan Ren, Haochen Fu, Dongyang Li, Cindy Sou, and Daniel Villarreal (Physics), and Judy Kim and Chanin B. Tangtartharaku (Chemistry/Biochemistry)l. Their research was funded by, in part, by the National Institutes of Health (MIRA R35GM139622).

Read the study in Nature Physics: "Robust and resource-optimal dynamic pattern formation of Min proteins in vivo."

"Our research shows how combining different fields can unlock new ways of understanding fundamental questions in biology." Professor of Physics Suckjoon Jun

Share This:

UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on May 05, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 05, 2025 at 17:47 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io