RefZ and Noc Act Synthetically to Prevent Aberrant Divisions during Bacillus subtilis Sporulation

Abstract

The DNA-binding protein RefZ and its binding sites ( RBM s) are conserved in sequence and location on the chromosome across the Bacillus genus and contribute to the timing of polar FtsZ-ring assembly during sporulation. Only a small number of noncoding and nonregulatory DNA motifs are known to be conserved in chromosomal position in bacteria, suggesting there is strong selective pressure for their maintenance; however, a refZ deletion mutant sporulates efficiently, providing no clues as to their functional significance.