Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
2824185 Plasmid 2012 14 Pages PDF
Abstract

While the essential role of episomal par loci in plasmid DNA partitioning has long been appreciated, the function of chromosomally encoded par loci is less clear. The chromosomal parA–parB genes are conserved throughout the bacterial kingdom and encode proteins homologous to those of the plasmidic Type I active partitioning systems. The third conserved element, the centromere-like sequence called parS, occurs in several copies in the chromosome. Recent studies show that the ParA–ParB–parS system is a key player of a mitosis-like process ensuring proper intracellular localization of certain chromosomal regions such as oriC domain and their active and directed segregation. Moreover, the chromosomal par systems link chromosome segregation with initiation of DNA replication and the cell cycle.

► Up-to-date review on the chromosomally encoded ParA–ParB–parS systems in bacteria. ► They link chromosome segregation with DNA replication initiation in various species. ► The ParA–ParB–parS systems link also chromosome segregation with the cell cycle.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology Genetics
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