Govind Chandra

Low-copy-number plasmids often rely on dedicated maintenance mechanisms, such as partitioning systems, to ensure stable inheritance across generations. These partition systems actively segregate sister plasmid copies during cell division and are classified by the NTPase types they encode. While the distribution and organization of partition system types are well characterized in Enterobacteriaceae plasmids, their functions and diversity across broader bacterial taxa remain poorly understood.

eLife Assessment This valuable study provides insights into the structure and function of bacterial contractile injection systems that are present in the cytoplasm of many Streptomyces strains.

Abstract Bacterial contractile injection systems (CIS) are phage tail-like macromolecular complexes that mediate cell-cell interactions by injecting effector proteins into target cells. CIS from Streptomyces coelicolor (CISSc) are localized in the cytoplasm. Under stress, they induce cell death and impact the bacteria′s life cycle. It remains unknown whether CISSc require accessory proteins to directly interact with the cytoplasmic membrane and function.