Mechanisms for chromosome folding and segregation in Bacillus subtilis

Organizing and segregating chromosomes is critical for survival and propagation. In most bacteria, this task is supported by the coordinated activity of two highly conserved modules: the tripartite ParABS system and the SMC complex. In the first part, I will focus on recent insights into the formation of a chromosome organizing centre by the CTP-binding protein ParB and the parS DNA sequences. One function of these chromosome organizing centres is to load the SMC ATPase onto the chromosome. In the second part, I will discuss how a finely tuned and low flux of SMC complexes ensures proper folding of bacterial chromosomes.