The Levin lab's work seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the temporal and spatial control of cell division.
All cells precisely control division to ensure that daughter cells are the correct size and shape and that each receives a complete genome. A short generation time—approximately 20 minutes under ideal growth conditions—coupled with the ease of genetic manipulation, make bacteria ideal model systems in which to study cytokinesis.
The focus of the Levin lab's research is the highly conserved tubulin homolog FtsZ. In response to an unidentified cell cycle signal FtsZ assembles into a ring structure that serves as a framework for assembly of the division apparatus. The FtsZ ring remains in place until a second unidentified signal stimulates constriction of the ring at the leading edge of the invaginating septum.
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