Topological regulation of cell division in E-coli: Spatiotemporal oscillation of MinD requires stimulation of its ATPase by MinE and phospholipid

Topological regulation of cell division in E. coil requires positioning a c ell division inhibitor, MinC, at the poles of the cell, thus restricting th e potential for division to midcell. This positioning is achieved through a rapid oscillation of MinC from pole to pole, a process requiring MinD and MinE. However, the mechanistic basis for this oscillation is not known. Her e we report that MinE stimulates MinD ATPase activity, but only in the pres ence of phospholipid vesicles. Analysis of MinE mutants demonstrates that t his stimulation is required for MinD oscillation and suggests that the leve l of stimulation determines the period of the oscillation. A model is prese nted in which the requirements for the MinD ATPase contribute spatial and t emporal inputs that provide the mechanistic basis for the oscillation.