Spotlight on FtsZ-based cell division in Archaea

Compared with the extensive knowledge on cell division in model eukaryotes and bacteria, little is known about how archaea divide. Interestingly, both endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-based and FtsZ-based cell division systems are found in members of the Archaea. In the past couple of years, several studies have started to shed light on FtsZ-based cell division processes in members of the Euryarchaeota. In this review we highlight recent findings in this emerging field of research. We present current knowledge of the cell division machinery of halophiles which relies on two FtsZ proteins, and we compare it with that of methanobacteria, which relies on only one FtsZ. Finally, we discuss how these differences relate to the distinct cell envelopes of these two archaeal model systems. Archaea employ either endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III homologs or FtsZ homologs as main players in cell division.Two types of FtsZ-based cell division exist in archaea: one-FtsZ-based, occurs in a few lineages, and the other, more common, type, which is two-FtsZ-based.FtsZ homologs have different functions in the two-FtsZ-based cell division: FtsZ1 is involved mainly in ring assembly while FtsZ2 is involved in constriction.The one-FtsZ-based system co-occurs in the presence of a cell wall made of pseudopeptidoglycan and MreB homologs in some methanogens.SepF is the anchor for FtsZ in archaea.The two FtsZs are the result of an ancient duplication followed by loss of one or the other FtsZ during archaeal diversification.