Role of the antiparallel double-stranded filament form of FtsA in activating the Escherichia coli divisome.

divisome subsequently activates synthesis of the division septum that splits the cell in two. One recently discovered oligomeric conformation of FtsA is an antiparallel double stranded filament. Using a combination of in vivo crosslinking and genetics, we provide evidence suggesting that these FtsA double filaments have a crucial role in activating the septum synthesis enzymes.