To maintain cell integrity and facilitate proper cell division, bacterial cells need to tightly control biosynthesis of their cell wall and maintain membrane homeostasis. Despite the importance of these processes, the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood in many bacteria, including the Gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.
​ In this seminar, I will present our work on a novel mechanism that control biosynthesis of lipoteichoic acids in the cell wall of S. aureus. We have previously found that the conserved membrane proteins, known as the CozE family proteins, are essential for proper cell division in S. aureus. To further elucidate their function, we utilize range of techniques, including genome-wide genetic screens, genetic interaction assays, (time-laps) fluorescence microscopy, lipid flipping assays and lipid analysis. Our findings show that CozE proteins impact cell division through their control of lipoteichoic acid biosynthesis and membrane homeostasis in S. aureus. I will also discuss the potential roles of these proteins in other bacterial species.

​