Exploration of new players in FtsZ-based cell DiVision in Archaea (DiVA) – DiVA

The Archaea are growingly gaining centre stage in the field of prokaryotic diversity and evolution. Yet, with respect to Bacteria, many fundamental cellular processes remain largely understudied. Most Archaea divide by binary fission using homologues of the bacterial tubulin FtsZ. Recent studies have started highlighting initial key elements in archaeal cell division, such as SepF which anchors the Z-ring. Intriguingly, archaea can have either one or two FtsZ proteins, suggesting diversity in handling cytokinesis. Moreover, most components of the bacterial divisome are absent in archaea. In this project, we will explore new players in archaeal cell division by using Methanobrevibacter smithii and Haloferax volcanii, as models for cytokinesis driven by one or two FtsZ, respectively. We will apply an interdisciplinary approach involving generation of mutants, high-resolution microscopy, structural biology, and bioinformatics. We will study the role of PRC-barrel proteins, an uncharacterized family widely distributed in archaea and likely involved in cell division in H. volcanii. In parallel, we will characterize additional components of the M. smithii divisome by identifying the the partners of FtsZ and SepF and analysing the role of the MraB homologue. These experimental data will be complemented by thorough comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses to draw a comprehensive scenario for the origin and evolution of cell division in the Archaea.