FtsZ: The Force Awakens

Abstract

Binary fission of prokaryotic cells depends on a protein called
FtsZ that self-assembles into a membrane-associated ring structure
(FtsZ-ring) in the early stages of the cell division process. FtsZ is a tubulin
homologue, which interacts with many additional proteins contributing
to its function forming a ring at the mid-cell, essential for bacterial cell
division. Whether the Z-ring is a force-generating machinery or a simple
scaffold for organizing all other molecular players is poorly understood.
Here, we review briefly the structure, dynamics, and interactions of FtsZ,
the Z-ring and its associated proteins and weigh the evidence for and
against force production by FtsZ.