Indole prevents Escherichia coli cell division by modulating membrane potential

2012/02/25 by Catalin Chimerel, Christopher M. Field, Silvia Piñero-Fernández +4 · 26 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry · #Bacteria #Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology #Bacterial cell structure #Biochemistry #Biology #Biophysics #Cell #Cell biology #Cell division #Cell membrane #Chemistry #Cytoplasm #Escherichia coli #FtsZ #Gene #Genetics #Indole test #Ionophore #Lipid Membrane Structure and Behavior #Membrane #Membrane potential #RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms

paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.02.022

openalex publication_date 2012/02/25 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31

Abstract

Indole is a bacterial signalling molecule that blocks E. coli cell division at concentrations of 3-5 mM. We have shown that indole is a proton ionophore and that this activity is key to the inhibition of division. By reducing the electrochemical potential across the cytoplasmic membrane of E. coli, indole deactivates MinCD oscillation and prevents formation of the FtsZ ring that is a prerequisite for division. This is the first example of a natural ionophore regulating a key biological process. Our findings have implications for our understanding of membrane biology, bacterial cell cycle control and potentially for the design of antibiotics that target the cell membrane.

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