FtsI (also known as PBP3/PbpB) is an essential peptidoglycan D,D-transpeptidase required for cell division in E. coli. It is a Class B high-molecular-mass penicillin-binding protein that catalyzes cross-linking of peptidoglycan at the division septum. FtsI is a monofunctional transpeptidase - unlike Class A PBPs, it lacks glycosyltransferase activity. FtsI forms a subcomplex with FtsW (a SEDS protein that provides glycosyltransferase activity) and interacts with multiple divisome proteins including FtsQ, FtsL, FtsN, and PBP1b. FtsI localizes to the division septum during later stages of cell growth and throughout septation. Inhibition by beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin blocks cell division causing filamentation.
| GO Term | Evidence | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GO:0005886
plasma membrane
|
IBA
GO_REF:0000033 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI is an integral membrane protein with a single transmembrane helix that anchors it to the plasma membrane. The bulk of the protein protrudes into the periplasmic space [PMID:2677607]. UniProt confirms "Cell inner membrane; Single-pass membrane protein; Periplasmic side."
Reason: Well-supported by phylogenetic inference (IBA) and consistent with the experimentally determined topology of FtsI. The protein contains an N-terminal transmembrane anchor and the periplasmic catalytic domain [PMID:2677607, PMID:9614966].
Supporting Evidence:
file:ECOLI/ftsI/ftsI-deep-research-falcon.md
See deep research file for comprehensive analysis
|
|
GO:0008658
penicillin binding
|
IBA
GO_REF:0000033 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI (PBP3) is one of the major penicillin-binding proteins in E. coli. Spratt 1975 [PMID:1103132] showed that beta-lactams that specifically inhibit cell division bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3.
Reason: Core function of FtsI. Penicillin binding is essential for the mechanism of action of beta-lactam antibiotics against FtsI. Experimentally demonstrated by IDA [PMID:1103132] and confirmed by IBA phylogenetic inference.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:1103132
beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit cell division bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3 (molecular weight 60,000)
|
|
GO:0071555
cell wall organization
|
IBA
GO_REF:0000033 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI participates in peptidoglycan synthesis at the division septum, contributing to cell wall organization during cell division. Botta and Park [PMID:6450748] showed PBP3 activity is required for septal murein synthesis.
Reason: Appropriate biological process annotation. FtsI functions in cell wall synthesis specifically during septation. The IBA inference is supported by extensive experimental evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:6450748
These results support the hypothesis that PBP-3 activity is exclusively required for septal murein synthesis
|
|
GO:0000917
division septum assembly
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000043 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI is essential for division septum assembly. It localizes to the septum and provides the transpeptidase activity necessary for cross-linking peptidoglycan during septation [PMID:9603865, PMID:28419603].
Reason: Core biological process for FtsI. The IEA annotation based on UniProt keywords is appropriate and supported by extensive experimental evidence from multiple publications.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:9603865
The localization of FtsI (PBP3), a penicillin-binding protein specifically required for cell division in Escherichia coli, was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy and found to localize to the septum
PMID:28419603
Cell division in Escherichia coli is mediated by a large protein complex called the divisome
|
|
GO:0004180
carboxypeptidase activity
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000043 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI has D,D-transpeptidase activity classified under EC 3.4.16.4 (serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase). This activity involves cleavage of the D-Ala-D-Ala bond and transpeptidation.
Reason: Appropriate general MF term. FtsI catalyzes the cleavage of the terminal D-alanine from peptidoglycan precursors during transpeptidation, which is a type of carboxypeptidase activity. More specific term GO:0009002 is also annotated.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:3531167
Activity of penicillin-binding protein 3 from Escherichia coli
|
|
GO:0005886
plasma membrane
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000120 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Duplicate annotation for plasma membrane localization via combined IEA methods. FtsI is a membrane-anchored protein.
Reason: Correct localization. Duplicates with different evidence codes are acceptable as they provide independent support.
|
|
GO:0006508
proteolysis
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000043 |
KEEP AS NON CORE |
Summary: FtsI has peptidase activity (D,D-transpeptidase) that involves cleavage of peptide bonds in peptidoglycan precursors during cell wall synthesis.
Reason: While technically accurate (FtsI cleaves D-Ala-D-Ala bonds), this is a very broad term. The more specific biological process is peptidoglycan biosynthesis, not general proteolysis. Keep as non-core.
|
|
GO:0008233
peptidase activity
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000043 |
KEEP AS NON CORE |
Summary: FtsI has D,D-transpeptidase activity that involves peptide bond cleavage.
Reason: Accurate but very general. The more specific term GO:0009002 (serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase activity) is more informative. Keep as non-core supporting annotation.
|
|
GO:0008360
regulation of cell shape
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000043 |
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED |
Summary: FtsI is involved in septation-specific peptidoglycan synthesis. While cell division affects cell shape, FtsI is not primarily a shape-regulating protein like PBP2 (which determines rod shape). FtsI specifically functions in division, not elongation.
Reason: Spratt 1975 [PMID:1103132] showed distinct PBPs for division (PBP3/FtsI), elongation (PBP1), and shape (PBP2). FtsI loss causes filamentation but does not alter cell shape in the way PBP2 mutations do. This annotation conflates division with shape regulation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:1103132
Cell shape: beta-Lactams that specifically result in the production of ovoid cells bind to penicillin binding protein 2... Cell division: beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit cell division bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3
|
|
GO:0008658
penicillin binding
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000120 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Duplicate annotation for penicillin binding via combined IEA methods.
Reason: Core molecular function. Duplicates with different evidence sources are acceptable.
|
|
GO:0008955
peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase activity
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000002 |
REMOVE |
Summary: INCORRECT ANNOTATION. FtsI is a Class B PBP that lacks glycosyltransferase activity. UniProt explicitly states: "Was originally thought to be a bifunctional enzyme with transglycosylase and transpeptidase activities" (CAUTION). The SEDS protein FtsW provides the glycosyltransferase activity in the FtsI-FtsW complex [PMID:27525505].
Reason: This is a well-documented error. Meeske et al. 2016 [PMID:27525505] clearly state that Class B PBPs "have TP domains but lack PGT activity." The glycosyltransferase activity is provided by SEDS proteins (FtsW for division, RodA for elongation), not by Class B PBPs like FtsI. The InterPro mapping that generated this IEA annotation is incorrect for FtsI.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:27525505
Under these conditions, cross-linking of adjacent glycan strands is likely carried out by the essential Class B PBPs (for simplicity, bPBPs), which have TP domains but lack PGT activity
|
|
GO:0009002
serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase activity
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000120 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI catalyzes the transpeptidation reaction that cross-links peptidoglycan strands. The EC number 3.4.16.4 describes this activity: "Preferential cleavage: (Ac)2-L-Lys-D-Ala-|-D-Ala. Also transpeptidation of peptidyl-alanyl moieties."
Reason: Core molecular function of FtsI. This is the primary enzymatic activity that FtsI performs - a serine-type D,D-transpeptidase that cleaves D-Ala-D-Ala bonds and catalyzes transpeptidation to cross-link peptidoglycan.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:3531167
Activity of penicillin-binding protein 3 from Escherichia coli
PMID:7030331
Peptidoglycan synthetic enzyme activities of highly purified penicillin-binding protein 3
|
|
GO:0009252
peptidoglycan biosynthetic process
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000120 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI is directly involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis, specifically the cross-linking step at the division septum [PMID:6450748].
Reason: Core biological process. FtsI catalyzes the transpeptidation reaction that cross-links peptidoglycan strands during septal cell wall synthesis. This is UniProt pathway annotation (UPA00219).
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:6450748
Evidence for involvement of penicillin-binding protein 3 in murein synthesis during septation
|
|
GO:0016787
hydrolase activity
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000043 |
KEEP AS NON CORE |
Summary: FtsI has hydrolase activity as part of its transpeptidase mechanism (cleavage of D-Ala-D-Ala bonds).
Reason: Very general term. More specific terms like GO:0009002 are more informative. Keep as non-core ancestor term.
|
|
GO:0043093
FtsZ-dependent cytokinesis
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000104 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI functions in FtsZ-dependent cell division. FtsI localization to the septum requires prior localization of FtsZ [PMID:9603865].
Reason: Appropriate biological process. FtsI is part of the divisome that assembles on the FtsZ ring scaffold. Localization is dependent on FtsZ [PMID:9603865].
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:9603865
The localization of FtsI was not observed in ftsZ or ftsA mutants, indicating that it was dependent on the prior localization of these proteins
|
|
GO:0051301
cell division
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000120 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI is essential for cell division. Inhibition causes filamentation and cell death [PMID:1103132].
Reason: Core biological process. FtsI is required for septation and cell division. Well-supported by experimental evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:1103132
Cell division: beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit cell division bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3
|
|
GO:0071555
cell wall organization
|
IEA
GO_REF:0000043 |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Duplicate annotation for cell wall organization via UniProt keyword mapping.
Reason: Appropriate biological process. Duplicates acceptable with different evidence.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:15774864 Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins... |
MODIFY |
Summary: FtsI interacts with FtsQ (P06136) as shown by bacterial two-hybrid analysis [PMID:15774864]. FtsQ is an essential divisome protein.
Reason: The interaction with FtsQ is well-documented but "protein binding" is uninformative. Should be annotated with a more specific term or with extension indicating the interacting partner. However, no suitable GO term exists for "divisome protein binding" so keeping with IPI to specific protein is acceptable.
Proposed replacements:
protein binding
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15774864
Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial two-hybrid analysis.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:15774864 Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with FtsW (P0ABG4) as shown by bacterial two-hybrid analysis [PMID:15774864]. FtsW-FtsI form a core subcomplex of the divisome.
Reason: The FtsI-FtsW interaction is essential for divisome function. FtsW is the lipid II transporter and glycosyltransferase that works with FtsI [PMID:20847002].
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:20847002
The integral membrane FtsW protein and peptidoglycan synthase PBP3 form a subcomplex in Escherichia coli
PMID:15774864
Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial two-hybrid analysis.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:15774864 Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with FtsL (P0AEN4) per bacterial two-hybrid [PMID:15774864].
Reason: FtsL is an essential divisome protein that interacts with FtsI within the FtsQLB complex.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15774864
Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial two-hybrid analysis.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:15774864 Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with FtsN (P29131) per bacterial two-hybrid [PMID:15774864]. FtsI is required for FtsN localization to the septum.
Reason: FtsN is recruited to the septum by FtsI [PMID:9282742]. This interaction is functionally important.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:9282742
FtsN, a late recruit to the septum in Escherichia coli
PMID:15774864
Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial two-hybrid analysis.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:15774864 Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with YmgF (P58034) per bacterial two-hybrid [PMID:15774864].
Reason: YmgF is a small membrane protein that associates with the divisome.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:15774864
Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial two-hybrid analysis.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:17185541 Three functional subdomains of the Escherichia coli FtsQ pro... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with FtsQ (P06136). Study mapped the FtsQ domains involved in interactions with divisome proteins [PMID:17185541].
Reason: Independent confirmation of FtsI-FtsQ interaction using domain mapping.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:17185541
FtsQ, an essential protein for the Escherichia coli divisome assembly, is able to interact with various division proteins, namely FtsI, FtsL, FtsN, FtsB and FtsW
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:17185541 Three functional subdomains of the Escherichia coli FtsQ pro... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Cross-species interaction between E. coli FtsI and S. pneumoniae DivIB.
Reason: Xenologous interaction supporting functional conservation of divisome protein interactions.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:17185541
Three functional subdomains of the Escherichia coli FtsQ protein are involved in its interaction with the other division proteins.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:17938168 The essential cell division protein FtsN interacts with the ... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with FtsN per [PMID:17938168]. The study examined FtsN interactions with peptidoglycan synthases.
Reason: Additional evidence for FtsI-FtsN interaction.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:17938168
2007 Oct 15. The essential cell division protein FtsN interacts with the murein (peptidoglycan) synthase PBP1B in Escherichia coli.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:18165305 The monofunctional glycosyltransferase of Escherichia coli l... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI (PBP3) interacts with PBP1B (P02919/mrcB). PBP1B is a bifunctional Class A PBP with both glycosyltransferase and transpeptidase activity [PMID:18165305].
Reason: PBP1B localizes to the septum and works with FtsI in septal peptidoglycan synthesis. This interaction is functionally important.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:28233869
In E. coli, the complex formed by PBP1b, PBP3 and FtsW constitutes the core-enzyme of the divisome
PMID:18165305
The monofunctional glycosyltransferase of Escherichia coli localizes to the cell division site and interacts with penicillin-binding protein 3, FtsW, and FtsN.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:18165305 The monofunctional glycosyltransferase of Escherichia coli l... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with MtgA (P46022), the monofunctional glycosyltransferase [PMID:18165305].
Reason: MtgA localizes to the division site and interacts with PBP3, FtsW, and FtsN, suggesting a role in septal peptidoglycan synthesis.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18165305
The monofunctional peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase (MtgA) catalyzes glycan chain elongation... is able to interact with three constituents of the divisome, PBP3, FtsW, and FtsN
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:18978050 Characterization of YmgF, a 72-residue inner membrane protei... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with FtsL. Study characterized YmgF and its association with the division machinery [PMID:18978050].
Reason: Additional evidence for FtsI-FtsL interaction.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18978050
Characterization of YmgF, a 72-residue inner membrane protein that associates with the Escherichia coli cell division machinery.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:18978050 Characterization of YmgF, a 72-residue inner membrane protei... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with YmgF [PMID:18978050].
Reason: YmgF is a component of the E. coli cell division machinery.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:18978050
Characterization of YmgF, a 72-residue inner membrane protein that associates with the Escherichia coli cell division machinery.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:19458048 Crystal structure of the membrane-bound bifunctional transgl... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with PBP1B. Crystal structure study of PBP1b [PMID:19458048].
Reason: Supports FtsI-PBP1B interaction.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:19458048
Crystal structure of the membrane-bound bifunctional transglycosylase PBP1b from Escherichia coli.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:20847002 The integral membrane FtsW protein and peptidoglycan synthas... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI forms a subcomplex with FtsW. FRET and co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed direct interactions [PMID:20847002].
Reason: Key evidence for the FtsI-FtsW subcomplex. This is a core interaction for divisome function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:20847002
In this work we show direct interactions between FtsW and PBP3 in vivo and in vitro by FRET (FΓΆrster resonance energy transfer) and co-immunoprecipitation experiments
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:22885295 The Ξ²-lactam resistance protein Blr, a small membrane polype... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with FtsL. Study on Blr protein and the division machinery [PMID:22885295].
Reason: Additional evidence for FtsI-FtsL interaction.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:22885295
The Ξ²-lactam resistance protein Blr, a small membrane polypeptide, is a component of the Escherichia coli cell division machinery.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:24561554 The binary protein-protein interaction landscape of Escheric... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with MtgA. Large-scale binary protein-protein interaction study [PMID:24561554].
Reason: High-throughput confirmation of FtsI-MtgA interaction.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:24561554
Here we performed yeast two-hybrid screens of 3,305 baits against 3,606 preys
|
|
GO:0000917
division septum assembly
|
NAS
PMID:28419603 Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome. |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI is part of the divisome complex that assembles the division septum. Review article [PMID:28419603].
Reason: Appropriate biological process annotation based on review summarizing extensive experimental literature.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:28419603
Cell division in Escherichia coli is mediated by a large protein complex called the divisome
|
|
GO:0005886
plasma membrane
|
NAS
PMID:28419603 Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome. |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI localizes to the plasma membrane via its N-terminal transmembrane anchor.
Reason: Correct localization annotation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:28419603
Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome.
|
|
GO:0032153
cell division site
|
NAS
PMID:28419603 Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome. |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI localizes to the cell division site (septum) during cell division.
Reason: Appropriate cellular component annotation supported by experimental evidence [PMID:9603865].
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:9603865
FtsI and FtsW are localized to the septum in Escherichia coli
PMID:28419603
Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome.
|
|
GO:0043093
FtsZ-dependent cytokinesis
|
NAS
PMID:28419603 Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome. |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI functions in FtsZ-dependent cell division as part of the divisome.
Reason: Appropriate biological process. FtsI localization depends on FtsZ.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:9603865
The localization of FtsI was not observed in ftsZ or ftsA mutants
PMID:28419603
Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome.
|
|
GO:0051301
cell division
|
NAS
PMID:28419603 Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome. |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI is essential for cell division.
Reason: Core biological process for FtsI.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:28419603
Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:33895137 ZapG (YhcB/DUF1043), a novel cell division protein in gamma-... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with ZapG (YhcB, P0ADW3). ZapG is a novel cell division protein linking the Z-ring to septal peptidoglycan synthesis [PMID:33895137].
Reason: ZapG interacts with multiple divisome components including FtsI, linking the Z-ring scaffold to peptidoglycan synthesis machinery.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:33895137
ZapG (YhcB/DUF1043), a novel cell division protein in gamma-proteobacteria linking the Z-ring to septal peptidoglycan synthesis
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:28233869 Interplay between Penicillin-binding proteins and SEDS prote... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI (PBP3) interacts with FtsW as part of a ternary complex with PBP1b [PMID:28233869]. The study characterized the interplay between these proteins in peptidoglycan synthesis.
Reason: Key evidence showing FtsW-PBP3-PBP1b form a ternary complex essential for divisome function.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:28233869
PBP3 forms a complex with FtsW and its specific transpeptidase activity is essential for cell division
|
|
GO:0009252
peptidoglycan biosynthetic process
|
RCA
PMID:27525505 SEDS proteins are a widespread family of bacterial cell wall... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI participates in peptidoglycan biosynthesis as the transpeptidase that cross-links glycan strands during cell division [PMID:27525505].
Reason: Core biological process. The SEDS paper confirms Class B PBPs like FtsI provide transpeptidase activity for cross-linking.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:27525505
cross-linking of adjacent glycan strands is likely carried out by the essential Class B PBPs (for simplicity, bPBPs), which have TP domains
|
|
GO:0008955
peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase activity
|
IMP
PMID:6450748 Evidence for involvement of penicillin-binding protein 3 in ... |
REMOVE |
Summary: INCORRECT ANNOTATION. This 1981 paper predates the discovery that Class B PBPs lack glycosyltransferase activity. The glycosyltransferase activity detected was likely due to contaminating Class A PBPs or the associated SEDS protein FtsW. UniProt explicitly cautions this is an error.
Reason: Historical misattribution. Modern evidence [PMID:27525505] clearly shows Class B PBPs like FtsI lack glycosyltransferase activity. The SEDS protein FtsW (which forms a complex with FtsI) provides this activity. UniProt CAUTION states: "Was originally thought to be a bifunctional enzyme with transglycosylase and transpeptidase activities."
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:27525505
the essential Class B PBPs (for simplicity, bPBPs), which have TP domains but lack PGT activity
PMID:6450748
Evidence for involvement of penicillin-binding protein 3 in murein synthesis during septation but not during cell elongation.
|
|
GO:0005515
protein binding
|
IPI
PMID:20497333 Direct interactions of early and late assembling division pr... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI interacts with FtsN. FRET study on divisome protein interactions [PMID:20497333].
Reason: Evidence for FtsI-FtsN interaction.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:20497333
Epub 2010 May 19. Direct interactions of early and late assembling division proteins in Escherichia coli cells resolved by FRET.
|
|
GO:0032153
cell division site
|
IDA
PMID:9603865 FtsI and FtsW are localized to the septum in Escherichia col... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: FtsI was shown to localize to the septum by immunofluorescence microscopy [PMID:9603865].
Reason: Core cellular component annotation. Direct experimental evidence (IDA) from immunofluorescence microscopy.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:9603865
The localization of FtsI (PBP3), a penicillin-binding protein specifically required for cell division in Escherichia coli, was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy and found to localize to the septum
|
|
GO:0008658
penicillin binding
|
IDA
PMID:1103132 Distinct penicillin binding proteins involved in the divisio... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Spratt 1975 demonstrated that beta-lactam antibiotics that specifically inhibit cell division bind to PBP3 (FtsI) [PMID:1103132].
Reason: Core molecular function. Classic paper establishing FtsI as a penicillin- binding protein with direct experimental evidence.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:1103132
Cell division: beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit cell division bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3 (molecular weight 60,000)
|
|
GO:0009410
response to xenobiotic stimulus
|
IMP
PMID:1103132 Distinct penicillin binding proteins involved in the divisio... |
KEEP AS NON CORE |
Summary: FtsI binds beta-lactam antibiotics (xenobiotics), which inhibit its activity and cause cell filamentation [PMID:1103132].
Reason: While accurate that FtsI responds to beta-lactam antibiotics (xenobiotics), this is not a physiological function but rather a pharmacological property. The response is inhibition of division. Keep as non-core annotation.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:1103132
beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit cell division bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3
|
|
GO:0051301
cell division
|
IMP
PMID:1103132 Distinct penicillin binding proteins involved in the divisio... |
ACCEPT |
Summary: Temperature-sensitive FtsI mutants fail to divide at non-permissive temperature, demonstrating FtsI is essential for cell division [PMID:1103132].
Reason: Core biological process with strong IMP evidence. Spratt showed that a temperature-sensitive cell division mutant has a thermolabile protein 3.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:1103132
A temperature-sensitive cell division mutant has been shown to have a thermolabile protein 3
|
|
GO:0008955
peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase activity
|
IDA
PMID:7030331 Peptidoglycan synthetic enzyme activities of highly purified... |
REMOVE |
Summary: INCORRECT ANNOTATION. This 1981 paper reported glycosyltransferase activity for purified PBP3, but this was later shown to be incorrect. FtsI is a Class B PBP that lacks glycosyltransferase activity. Any detected activity was likely from contaminating enzymes or the associated FtsW.
Reason: Historical misattribution now known to be incorrect. Class B PBPs lack glycosyltransferase (PGT) activity [PMID:27525505]. UniProt states [PMID:7030331] in its CAUTION that FtsI was "originally thought to be a bifunctional enzyme." The glycosyltransferase activity is provided by SEDS proteins (FtsW) or Class A PBPs (PBP1a, PBP1b), not by FtsI.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:27525505
the essential Class B PBPs (for simplicity, bPBPs), which have TP domains but lack PGT activity
PMID:7030331
Peptidoglycan synthetic enzyme activities of highly purified penicillin-binding protein 3 in Escherichia coli: a septum-forming reaction sequence.
|
The research report should be a detailed narrative explaining the function, biological processes, and localization of the gene product. Citations should be given for all claims.
You should prioritize authoritative reviews and primary scientific literature when conducting research. You can supplement
this with annotations you find in gene/protein databases, but these can be outdated or inaccurate.
We are specifically interested in the primary function of the gene - for enzymes, what reaction is catalyzed, and what is the substrate specificity? For transporters, what is the substrate? For structural proteins or adapters, what is the broader structural role? For signaling molecules, what is the role in the pathway.
We are interested in where in or outside the cell the gene product carries out its function.
We are also interested in the signaling or biochemical pathways in which the gene functions. We are less interested in broad pleiotropic effects, except where these elucidate the precise role.
Include evidence where possible. We are interested in both experimental evidence as well as inference from structure, evolution, or bioinformatic analysis. Precise studies should be prioritized over high-throughput, where available.
Research plan and verification
We verified the target as Escherichia coli K-12 ftsI (pbpB) encoding Penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3), UniProt P0AD68. PBP3 is the essential class B penicillin-binding protein (bPBP) that provides D,D-transpeptidase activity for septal peptidoglycan (sPG) synthesis during division; it operates with the SEDS glycosyltransferase FtsW in the core divisome complex, and is activated by the FtsQβFtsBβFtsL (FtsQLB) regulators and FtsN, matching the family/domain annotations provided (transpeptidase/PBP) (https://www.uniprot.org/uniprotkb/P0AD68/entry, database reference; mechanistic/structural details below) (yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3, cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18).
1) Key concepts and definitions with current understanding
- Molecular identity and role: FtsI (PBP3) is the monofunctional, membrane-anchored class B PBP that catalyzes D,D-transpeptidation to form 4β3 peptide crosslinks in sPG at midcell during cytokinesis. It has an N-terminal transmembrane helix, a periplasmic βpedestalβ domain that interfaces with divisome regulators, and a C-terminal transpeptidase domain that harbors the canonical serine-active-site motifs (SXXK, SXN, KTG) conserved across Gram-negatives (illustrated for FtsI orthologs; catalytic Ser is acylated by substrate/Ξ²-lactams) (Cell Discovery, 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41421-023-00629-w; Nature Rev Microbiol, 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-023-00942-x; additional motif detail from ortholog structural work) (yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3, cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18, oladele2025impactofsingle pages 37-42).
- Cellular localization and complex: FtsI localizes to the septal ring (Z-ring region) as part of the late-assembling divisome, functioning within the FtsWβFtsI synthase module that executes sPG polymerization (FtsW) and crosslinking (FtsI). FtsQLB binds and stabilizes the complex and transduces activation signals, while FtsN is the late essential activator that triggers robust sPG synthesis. These interaction and activation relationships are established in recent structural and review work (Cell Discovery, 2024; Nature Rev Microbiol, 2024) (yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3, cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18).
- Essentiality: FtsI/PBP3 is essential for cell division in E. coli; loss of function blocks septation and leads to filamentation (summarized in divisome reviews; functional genetics cited therein). Crosslinking studies in Salmonella emphasize the conserved divisome composition and occupancy competition by FtsI paralogs, underscoring the central divisome role of bPBP TPases (Molecular Microbiology, 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/mmi.15309) (cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18, castanheira2024invivocrossβlinking pages 22-22).
Catalytic mechanism and substrate specificity
- Reaction: FtsI is a D,D-transpeptidase that forms 4β3 crosslinks by transferring the terminal D-Ala-containing acyl donor (stem peptide attached to glycan) to an acceptor stem peptide (D-Alaβmeso-DAP in E. coli), via a covalent acyl-enzyme at the catalytic serine, then deacylation to complete crosslink formation (conserved PBP mechanism; motifs SXXK/SXN/KTG). Structural and biochemical data from PBP3 orthologs define the catalytic serine acylation by Ξ²-lactams and substrate (examples compiled in recent literature) (oladele2025impactofsingle pages 37-42, cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18).
2) Recent developments and latest research (2023β2024 priority)
- Cryo-EM divisome architecture and activation: A 2024 cryo-EM structure of a FtsWβFtsIβFtsQLB complex (from Pseudomonas; homologous to E. coli) resolved the SEDSβbPBP core and regulator interfaces. It shows FtsIβs pedestal contacting FtsBL coiled coil and FtsWβs ECL4/H2 being stabilized by FtsL, rationalizing how FtsQLB promotes the active conformation of FtsWI and supporting conserved SEDSβbPBP architecture across species (Cell Discovery, 2024; 3.3 Γ
; URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41421-023-00629-w) (yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3).
- Division activation models: Nature Reviews Microbiology (2024) synthesizes evidence that FtsN triggers an activation cascade via FtsQLB to stimulate FtsWI activity, consolidating genetic and structural data, and highlights prior FtsI mutations affecting FtsN recruitment and divisome function (URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-023-00942-x) (cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18).
- FtsN dynamics at septa: Single-molecule and imaging work (bioRxiv preprint 2024) in E. coli reports that FtsN partitions between a synthesis track (with active FtsWI) and a denuded-glycan track coordinating hydrolases, consistent with an activation role for FtsN engaging FtsL/FtsI to stimulate sPG synthesis (bioRxiv 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.13.594014) ().
- Divisome movement paradigms: High-resolution live-cell studies in Gram-positives show that processive movement of septal synthases is driven by PG synthesis rather than FtsZ treadmilling, with emerging two-track models in Gram-negatives; these reinforce that active bPBP TPases like FtsI operate within multimeric synthase complexes coordinated by regulators (Nature Microbiol, 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01650-9) (whitley2024peptidoglycansynthesisdrives pages 1-2).
3) Current applications and real-world implementations
- Clinical targeting: Ξ²-Lactam antibiotics target PBP3 (FtsI) among other PBPs; aztreonam is classically PBP3-selective in Enterobacterales, and cefiderocol shows primary interaction with PBP3 with additional PBP engagement. A large European surveillance demonstrated high cefiderocol susceptibility among Enterobacterales (including E. coli) and highlighted frequent ftsI mutations among cefiderocol-resistant isolates, linking PBP3 alterations to clinical resistance (Microbiology Spectrum, 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.04181-23) (henriksen2024invitroactivitya pages 1-2).
- Ξ²-Lactamase inhibitor combinations: Aztreonamβavibactam (ATMβAVI) restores activity against metallo-Ξ²-lactamase (MBL)-producing Enterobacterales and is EMA-approved; however, emergent resistance patterns often involve target modification, including PBP3 (ftsI) changes, especially in conjunction with permeability/efflux alterations (Pharmacotherapy, 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/phar.4629) ().
4) Expert opinions and analysis from authoritative sources
- Divisome regulation consensus: Cameron and Margolin (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2024) consolidate that FtsI/PBP3 operates as the septal TPase of the FtsWβFtsI synthase; FtsQLB and FtsN are core activators, and specific FtsI substitutions disrupt septal localization and FtsN recruitment. The review integrates structural advances (FtsWIQLB), genetic activation (βsuperfissionβ alleles), and SPOR-domain targeting to sPG, reflecting field consensus on divisome activation logic (URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-023-00942-x) (cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18).
- Structural mechanisms of core synthase: The 2024 cryo-EM FtsWIQLB structure provides a mechanistic model for how FtsQLB stabilizes the active state of the SEDSβbPBP synthase, with conserved features applicable to E. coli FtsI and supporting the regulator-bridged activation concept (Cell Discovery, 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41421-023-00629-w) (yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3).
5) Relevant statistics and data from recent studies (2023β2024)
- Cefiderocol surveillance across Enterobacterales (Europe, 2020 collection; reported 2024): 1,909 isolates total (970 Klebsiella, 382 E. coli, 244 Enterobacter). Overall cefiderocol susceptibility 98.1% across Enterobacterales; in meropenem-resistant Enterobacterales (n=148) susceptibility 87.8%. Among cefiderocol-resistant Enterobacterales (n=37), 24/37 (64.9%) harbored ftsI (PBP3) mutations in addition to iron-uptake pathway mutations and carbapenemases, implicating target modification in resistance (Microbiology Spectrum, 2024; Aug 2024 online) (henriksen2024invitroactivitya pages 1-2).
- Mechanistic inhibition metrics for PBPs: Methodological advances have enabled live-cell determination of kinact/KI for PBP inhibition by Ξ²-lactams using activity-based probes, refining potency metrics beyond IC50 for covalent inhibitors; though demonstrated in S. pneumoniae, the approach generalizes to PBP families including E. coli PBPs (ACS Infectious Diseases, 2024; Dec 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00370) ().
Biochemical pathway and interaction map (concise)
- FtsZ/FtsA early assembly β recruitment of FtsK β FtsQLB β FtsWβFtsI assembly at midcell β arrival of FtsN, which binds FtsL/FtsI and activates FtsWI synthase to initiate robust sPG synthesis; amidase activation (FtsEXβEnvCβAmiB) coordinates sPG hydrolysis with synthesis. FtsIβs pedestal engages FtsBL; FtsI transpeptidase executes crosslinking of nascent sPG produced by FtsW (Nature Rev Microbiol, 2024; Cell Discovery, 2024; PLoS Biology, 2024 for FtsEXβEnvC activation) (cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18, yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3).
Subcellular location
- Periplasmic enzyme tethered to the inner membrane by an N-terminal TM helix; catalysis occurs in the periplasm at the septal ring where the divisome assembles (structural review and cryo-EM complex) (yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3, cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18).
Inhibitors and substrate specificity
- Substrate: pentapeptide stems terminating in D-AlaβD-Ala on Lipid IIβderived glycan strands; acceptor stems (D-Alaβmeso-DAP) are crosslinked via the FtsI acyl-enzyme intermediate. Inhibitors: Ξ²-lactams including aztreonam (PBP3-selective monobactam) and cefiderocol (catechol-siderophore cephalosporin with primary PBP3 engagement in Enterobacterales). Resistance mechanisms increasingly involve target-site modifications in ftsI alongside porin/efflux and Ξ²-lactamases (Microbiology Spectrum, 2024; Pharmacotherapy, 2024) (henriksen2024invitroactivitya pages 1-2).
Recent resistance mechanisms involving ftsI
- Clinical datasets associate ftsI mutations with cefiderocol resistance in Enterobacterales. Surveillance identified ftsI mutations in 24/37 cefiderocol-resistant isolates and multiple iron uptake mutations, often alongside carbapenemases (Microbiology Spectrum, 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.04181-23) (henriksen2024invitroactivitya pages 1-2).
- Reviews of Ξ²-lactam/Ξ²-lactamase inhibitor therapy note that resistance to aztreonamβavibactam can involve PBP3 changes (ftsI), especially in co-presence of permeability defects/ESBLs/MBLs, underscoring PBP3 as a key adaptive target (Pharmacotherapy, 2024; URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/phar.4629) ().
Notes on protein family/domains
- FtsI is a class B PBP (transpeptidase family). The pedestal domain mediates interactions with FtsBL; the catalytic TPase domain bears SXXK/SXN/KTG motifs of serine TPases. The recent FtsWIQLB structure confirms these domain organizations and interfacial contacts consistent with transpeptidase/PBP_dimer superfamily folds described in UniProt (Cell Discovery, 2024) (yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3).
Conclusion
The E. coli K-12 ftsI gene encodes PBP3, the essential septal D,D-transpeptidase of the divisome. Its periplasmic catalytic domain performs 4β3 crosslinking on nascent septal PG synthesized by FtsW. Activation is mediated by FtsQLB and FtsN, as supported by 2024 cryo-EM of the FtsWIQLB complex and synthesis-focused reviews. Clinically, PBP3 is a principal target of Ξ²-lactams; aztreonam and cefiderocol maintain activity against many resistant Enterobacterales, though emerging resistance frequently includes ftsI mutations, highlighting the translational importance of PBP3-focused surveillance and inhibitor design (yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3, cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18, henriksen2024invitroactivitya pages 1-2).
Citations with URLs and dates
- Yang L et al., Structural insights into the activation of the divisome complex FtsWIQLB, Cell Discovery, 2024-01-11. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41421-023-00629-w (yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3).
- Cameron TA, Margolin W., Insights into the assembly and regulation of the bacterial divisome, Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2024-07. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-023-00942-x (cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18).
- Henriksen AS et al., In vitro activity of cefiderocol against European Enterobacteralesβ¦, Microbiology Spectrum, 2024-08. URL: https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.04181-23 (henriksen2024invitroactivitya pages 1-2).
- Lyu Z et al., E. coli FtsN coordinates synthesis and degradation of sPGβ¦, bioRxiv, 2024-08-01 (preprint). URL: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.13.594014 ().
- Chen Y et al., Structure and activity of the septal peptidoglycan hydrolysis machineryβ¦, PLOS Biology, 2024-05-22. URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002628 ().
- Whitley KD et al., Peptidoglycan synthesis drives a single population of septal synthasesβ¦, Nature Microbiology, 2024-03-18. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01650-9 (whitley2024peptidoglycansynthesisdrives pages 1-2).
- Musawa MA et al., Aztreonamβavibactam: The dynamic duoβ¦, Pharmacotherapy, 2024-11-29. URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/phar.4629 ().
- Castanheira S et al., In Vivo Cross-Linking Sheds Light on the Salmonella Divisomeβ¦, Molecular Microbiology, 2024-09-06. URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/mmi.15309 (castanheira2024invivocrossβlinking pages 22-22).
- Shirley JD et al., kinact/KI Value Determination for PBPs in Live Cells, ACS Infectious Diseases, 2024-12-06. URL: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00370 ().
- Additional catalytic motif/active-site context (ortholog): Oladele OE, Impact of substitutions in FtsIβ¦, 2025 (structural motif conservation and Ξ²-lactam complexes summarized) (oladele2025impactofsingle pages 37-42).
References
(yang2024structuralinsightsinto pages 1-3): Lili Yang, Yujiao Chen, Shenghai Chang, Chongrong Shen, Xin Wang, Changbin Zhang, Zhibo Zhang, Bi-Sen Ding, Zhaoming Su, Haohao Dong, and Xiaodi Tang. Structural insights into the activation of the divisome complex ftswiqlb. Cell Discovery, Jan 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41421-023-00629-w, doi:10.1038/s41421-023-00629-w. This article has 11 citations and is from a peer-reviewed journal.
(cameron2024insightsintothe pages 16-18): Todd A. Cameron and William Margolin. Insights into the assembly and regulation of the bacterial divisome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 22:33-45, Jul 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-023-00942-x, doi:10.1038/s41579-023-00942-x. This article has 105 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(oladele2025impactofsingle pages 37-42): OE Oladele. Impact of single substitution mutations in conserved n-terminal residues of ftsi on penicillin binding and ftsw interaction in neisseria gonorrhoeae. Unknown journal, 2025.
(castanheira2024invivocrossβlinking pages 22-22): SΓ³nia Castanheira, David LΓ³pezβEscarpa, Alberto Paradela, and Francisco GarcΓaβdel Portillo. In vivo crossβlinking sheds light on the salmonella divisome in which pbp3 and pbp3sal compete for occupancy. Molecular Microbiology, 122:797-818, Sep 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/mmi.15309, doi:10.1111/mmi.15309. This article has 4 citations and is from a domain leading peer-reviewed journal.
(whitley2024peptidoglycansynthesisdrives pages 1-2): Kevin D. Whitley, James Grimshaw, David M. Roberts, Eleni Karinou, Phillip J. Stansfeld, and SΓ©amus Holden. Peptidoglycan synthesis drives a single population of septal cell wall synthases during division in bacillus subtilis. Nature Microbiology, 9:1064-1074, Mar 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-024-01650-9, doi:10.1038/s41564-024-01650-9. This article has 19 citations and is from a highest quality peer-reviewed journal.
(henriksen2024invitroactivitya pages 1-2): Anne Santerre Henriksen, Fabio Arena, Marie Attwood, Rafael Canton, SΓΆren Gatermann, Thierry Naas, Ian Morrissey, Christopher Longshaw, Birgit Willinger, David Leyssene, Christian Cattoen, Corentine Alauzet, Pierre Boyer, VΓ©ronique Dubois, Katy Jeannot, Stephane Corvec, Alix Pantel, Thomas Guillard, Audrey Merens Gontier, Thierry Naas, Holger Rohde, Stefan Ziesing, Can Imirzalioglu, Klaus-Peter Hunfeld, Jette Jung, SΓΆren Gatermann, Mathias Pletz, Gabriele Bianco, Anna Giammanco, Davide Carcione, Giammarco Raponi, Caterina Matinato, Enea Gino Di Domenico, Paolo Gaibani, Anna Marchese, Fabio Arena, Claudia Niccolai, Stefania Stefani, Cristina Pitart, Jose Luis Barrios, Emilia Cercenado, German Bou, Alicia Beteta Lopez, Rafael Canton, Jose Lopez Hontangas, Irene Gracia-Ahufinger, Antonio Oliver, Lorena Lopez-Cerero, Nieves Larrosa, David Wareham, John Perry, Anna Casey, Jasvir Nahl, Daniel Hughes, Michael Coyne, Michelle Lister, and Marie Attwood. in vitro activity of cefiderocol against european enterobacterales, including isolates resistant to meropenem and recentΞ²-lactam/Ξ²-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Microbiology Spectrum, Aug 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.04181-23, doi:10.1128/spectrum.04181-23. This article has 15 citations and is from a domain leading peer-reviewed journal.
Exported on March 22, 2026 at 02:18 AM
Organism: Escherichia coli
Sequence:
MKAAAKTQKPKRQEEHANFISWRFALLCGCILLALAFLLGRVAWLQVISPDMLVKEGDMRSLRVQQVSTSRGMITDRSGRPLAVSVPVKAIWADPKEVHDAGGISVGDRWKALANALNIPLDQLSARINANPKGRFIYLARQVNPDMADYIKKLKLPGIHLREESRRYYPSGEVTAHLIGFTNVDSQGIEGVEKSFDKWLTGQPGERIVRKDRYGRVIEDISSTDSQAAHNLALSIDERLQALVYRELNNAVAFNKAESGSAVLVDVNTGEVLAMANSPSYNPNNLSGTPKEAMRNRTITDVFEPGSTVKPMVVMTALQRGVVRENSVLNTIPYRINGHEIKDVARYSELTLTGVLQKSSNVGVSKLALAMPSSALVDTYSRFGLGKATNLGLVGERSGLYPQKQRWSDIERATFSFGYGLMVTPLQLARVYATIGSYGIYRPLSITKVDPPVPGERVFPESIVRTVVHMMESVALPGGGGVKAAIKGYRIAIKTGTAKKVGPDGRYINKYIAYTAGVAPASQPRFALVVVINDPQAGKYYGGAVSAPVFGAIMGGVLRTMNIEPDALTTGDKNEFVINQGEGTGGRS
I begin by dissecting the InterPro architecture and its order along the sequence. The N-terminal half carries two tightly aligned signatures for oligomerization and scaffold formation: IPR036138 (Penicillin-binding protein, dimerisation domain superfamily, residues 63β233) and its core IPR005311 (Penicillin-binding protein, dimerisation domain, residues 69β220). This module typically builds a stable dimeric platform that positions catalytic elements and couples to the membrane anchor. The central-to-C-terminal region is dominated by catalytic hallmarks of the class D Ξ²-lactamase/transpeptidase fold: IPR012338 (Beta-lactamase/transpeptidase-like superfamily, residues 235β563) and IPR001460 (Penicillin-binding protein, transpeptidase domain, residues 260β554). These specify the canonical active-site architecture that forms a thioester intermediate with D-Ala-D-Ala and is susceptible to covalent acylation by Ξ²-lactam antibiotics. Two broader family-level envelopes encompass nearly the entire enzyme: IPR050515 (Class D Ξ²-lactamase/transpeptidase family, residues 13β566) and IPR037532 (Peptidoglycan D,D-transpeptidase FtsI family, residues 13β575). Together, these families anchor the assignment to a DD-transpeptidase specialized for late-stage peptidoglycan cross-linking.
This domain architecture causes a precise molecular function. The dimerization domain (IPR005311/IPR036138) organizes the catalytic core (IPR001460/IPR012338) into an active site that performs D,D-transpeptidation on peptidoglycan stem peptidesβformally, DD-transpeptidase chemistry and penicillin binding. The class D transpeptidase scaffold and the conserved catalytic fold predict GO:0008658 penicillin binding as a defining property: Ξ²-lactams acylate and inhibit the active-site serine/thiol chemistry. Thus, the most direct molecular function evidenced here is penicillin binding (GO:0008658), with inhibition arising intrinsically from the transpeptidase mechanism.
From function to process, DD-transpeptidation is the terminal cross-linking step that stabilizes the mature sacculus during septation. The FtsI-family envelope (IPR037532) and the transpeptidase core (IPR001460) collectively tie this enzyme to the late, membrane-proximal phase of cell wall biogenesis and division. Consequently, the biological role converges on peptidoglycan biogenesis and cell division, where cross-linking fortifies the septal wall and coordinates cytokinesis.
Cellular localization follows causally from the need to act on membrane-associated peptidoglycan. The architecture lacks soluble secretion signals and instead implies membrane association via the N-terminal region that precedes the dimerization scaffold. The experimentally grounded placement is the cell inner membrane of a Gram-negative bacterium, which aligns with an integral membrane enzyme that presents its catalytic face to the periplasm. Therefore, the cellular component is the bacterial inner (plasma) membrane.
Mechanistically, I propose the following working model. The N-terminal membrane-proximal platform and dimerization domain assemble a bivalent platform that recruits and stabilizes the catalytic core. At the septum, this enzyme binds Ξ²-lactams (penicillin-binding property) and becomes transiently acylated, which throttles DD-transpeptidation. By forming dimers and coupling to membrane anchors, it concentrates activity at sites of active cross-linking to finalize sacculus maturation. Likely interaction partners include the divisome and elongasome modules at the inner membrane, notably FtsZ/FtsA/SepF assemblies and adjacent peptidoglycan synthases and hydrolases that coordinate septal wall construction.
An inner-membraneβanchored DD-transpeptidase in Escherichia coli that assembles via an N-terminal dimerization scaffold to present a class D transpeptidase catalytic core that cross-links peptidoglycan during late-stage cell wall construction and cytokinesis. Its active-site chemistry inherently binds Ξ²-lactam antibiotics, which acylate and inhibit the catalytic cycle. By concentrating activity at the division septum, it finalizes sacculus stabilization essential for cell division and envelope integrity at the inner membrane.
Peptidoglycan D,D-transpeptidase involved in the late stage of cell wall formation and division.
IPR050515, family) β residues 13-566IPR037532, family) β residues 13-575IPR036138, homologous_superfamily) β residues 63-233IPR005311, domain) β residues 69-220IPR012338, homologous_superfamily) β residues 235-563IPR001460, domain) β residues 260-554Molecular Function: molecular_function (GO:0003674), binding (GO:0005488), protein binding (GO:0005515)
Biological Process: biological_process (GO:0008150), response to stimulus (GO:0050896), cellular process (GO:0009987), response to chemical (GO:0042221), cell division (GO:0051301), response to xenobiotic stimulus (GO:0009410)
Cellular Component: cellular_component (GO:0005575), cellular anatomical entity (GO:0110165), cell periphery (GO:0071944), membrane (GO:0016020), cell division site (GO:0032153), plasma membrane (GO:0005886)
Generated by BioReason
Source: ftsI-bioreason-rl-predictions.md
The BioReason functional summary describes ftsI as:
An inner-membrane-anchored DD-transpeptidase in Escherichia coli that assembles via an N-terminal dimerization scaffold to present a class D transpeptidase catalytic core that cross-links peptidoglycan during late-stage cell wall construction and cytokinesis. Its active-site chemistry inherently binds beta-lactam antibiotics, which acylate and inhibit the catalytic cycle. By concentrating activity at the division septum, it finalizes sacculus stabilization essential for cell division and envelope integrity at the inner membrane.
This is a largely accurate summary. The core functions -- DD-transpeptidation, peptidoglycan cross-linking, beta-lactam binding, septal localization, and role in cell division -- are all correctly identified. The domain architecture analysis correctly identifies the dimerization domain and transpeptidase domain.
Minor issues:
- FtsI is classified as a "class D transpeptidase" in the thinking trace, but it is actually a Class B high-molecular-mass penicillin-binding protein. The IPR050515 family is "Class D beta-lactamase/transpeptidase" which is a superfamily-level classification; the curated review correctly identifies FtsI as Class B.
- The summary does not mention that FtsI is a monofunctional transpeptidase (lacks glycosyltransferase activity). This is significant because the curated review specifically flags the interpro2go annotation for peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase activity (GO:0008955) as INCORRECT for FtsI.
- Does not mention the FtsI-FtsW subcomplex or the broader divisome context (FtsQ, FtsL, FtsN, PBP1b).
The summary correctly identifies the inner membrane anchoring, periplasmic catalytic exposure, and septal localization.
Comparison with interpro2go:
The curated review identifies a key interpro2go error: GO:0008955 (peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase activity) was incorrectly assigned to FtsI via GO_REF:0000002. FtsI is a monofunctional transpeptidase that lacks GT activity; the SEDS protein FtsW provides the glycosyltransferase activity. BioReason does not make this error in its functional summary -- it correctly describes only transpeptidase activity. However, BioReason also does not explicitly predict the correct specific catalytic activity (serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase activity, GO:0009002). The model avoids interpro2go's error but does not add much beyond the correct general narrative.
The trace correctly identifies all six InterPro domains and builds a coherent functional model. The mention of "FtsZ/FtsA/SepF assemblies" as interaction partners is appropriate. The classification as "class D" is an artifact of the IPR050515 superfamily name rather than a biological misclassification.
id: P0AD68
gene_symbol: ftsI
product_type: PROTEIN
status: COMPLETE
taxon:
id: NCBITaxon:83333
label: Escherichia coli (strain K12)
description: FtsI (also known as PBP3/PbpB) is an essential peptidoglycan
D,D-transpeptidase required for cell division in E. coli. It is a Class B
high-molecular-mass penicillin-binding protein that catalyzes cross-linking of
peptidoglycan at the division septum. FtsI is a monofunctional transpeptidase
- unlike Class A PBPs, it lacks glycosyltransferase activity. FtsI forms a
subcomplex with FtsW (a SEDS protein that provides glycosyltransferase
activity) and interacts with multiple divisome proteins including FtsQ, FtsL,
FtsN, and PBP1b. FtsI localizes to the division septum during later stages of
cell growth and throughout septation. Inhibition by beta-lactam antibiotics
like penicillin blocks cell division causing filamentation.
existing_annotations:
- term:
id: GO:0005886
label: plasma membrane
evidence_type: IBA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
review:
summary: FtsI is an integral membrane protein with a single transmembrane
helix that anchors it to the plasma membrane. The bulk of the protein
protrudes into the periplasmic space [PMID:2677607]. UniProt confirms
"Cell inner membrane; Single-pass membrane protein; Periplasmic side."
action: ACCEPT
reason: Well-supported by phylogenetic inference (IBA) and consistent with
the experimentally determined topology of FtsI. The protein contains an
N-terminal transmembrane anchor and the periplasmic catalytic domain
[PMID:2677607, PMID:9614966].
supported_by:
- reference_id: file:ECOLI/ftsI/ftsI-deep-research-falcon.md
supporting_text: See deep research file for comprehensive analysis
- term:
id: GO:0008658
label: penicillin binding
evidence_type: IBA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
review:
summary: FtsI (PBP3) is one of the major penicillin-binding proteins in E.
coli. Spratt 1975 [PMID:1103132] showed that beta-lactams that
specifically inhibit cell division bind preferentially to penicillin
binding protein 3.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core function of FtsI. Penicillin binding is essential for the
mechanism of action of beta-lactam antibiotics against FtsI.
Experimentally demonstrated by IDA [PMID:1103132] and confirmed by IBA
phylogenetic inference.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:1103132
supporting_text: beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit cell division
bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3 (molecular
weight 60,000)
- term:
id: GO:0071555
label: cell wall organization
evidence_type: IBA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
review:
summary: FtsI participates in peptidoglycan synthesis at the division
septum, contributing to cell wall organization during cell division.
Botta and Park [PMID:6450748] showed PBP3 activity is required for
septal murein synthesis.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Appropriate biological process annotation. FtsI functions in cell
wall synthesis specifically during septation. The IBA inference is
supported by extensive experimental evidence.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:6450748
supporting_text: These results support the hypothesis that PBP-3
activity is exclusively required for septal murein synthesis
- term:
id: GO:0000917
label: division septum assembly
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
review:
summary: FtsI is essential for division septum assembly. It localizes to
the septum and provides the transpeptidase activity necessary for
cross-linking peptidoglycan during septation [PMID:9603865,
PMID:28419603].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core biological process for FtsI. The IEA annotation based on
UniProt keywords is appropriate and supported by extensive experimental
evidence from multiple publications.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:9603865
supporting_text: The localization of FtsI (PBP3), a penicillin-binding
protein specifically required for cell division in Escherichia coli,
was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy and found to
localize to the septum
- reference_id: PMID:28419603
supporting_text: Cell division in Escherichia coli is mediated by a
large protein complex called the divisome
- term:
id: GO:0004180
label: carboxypeptidase activity
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
review:
summary: FtsI has D,D-transpeptidase activity classified under EC 3.4.16.4
(serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase). This activity involves
cleavage of the D-Ala-D-Ala bond and transpeptidation.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Appropriate general MF term. FtsI catalyzes the cleavage of the
terminal D-alanine from peptidoglycan precursors during
transpeptidation, which is a type of carboxypeptidase activity. More
specific term GO:0009002 is also annotated.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:3531167
supporting_text: Activity of penicillin-binding protein 3 from
Escherichia coli
- term:
id: GO:0005886
label: plasma membrane
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000120
review:
summary: Duplicate annotation for plasma membrane localization via
combined IEA methods. FtsI is a membrane-anchored protein.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Correct localization. Duplicates with different evidence codes are
acceptable as they provide independent support.
- term:
id: GO:0006508
label: proteolysis
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
review:
summary: FtsI has peptidase activity (D,D-transpeptidase) that involves
cleavage of peptide bonds in peptidoglycan precursors during cell wall
synthesis.
action: KEEP_AS_NON_CORE
reason: While technically accurate (FtsI cleaves D-Ala-D-Ala bonds), this
is a very broad term. The more specific biological process is
peptidoglycan biosynthesis, not general proteolysis. Keep as non-core.
- term:
id: GO:0008233
label: peptidase activity
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
review:
summary: FtsI has D,D-transpeptidase activity that involves peptide bond
cleavage.
action: KEEP_AS_NON_CORE
reason: Accurate but very general. The more specific term GO:0009002
(serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase activity) is more informative.
Keep as non-core supporting annotation.
- term:
id: GO:0008360
label: regulation of cell shape
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
review:
summary: FtsI is involved in septation-specific peptidoglycan synthesis.
While cell division affects cell shape, FtsI is not primarily a
shape-regulating protein like PBP2 (which determines rod shape). FtsI
specifically functions in division, not elongation.
action: MARK_AS_OVER_ANNOTATED
reason: Spratt 1975 [PMID:1103132] showed distinct PBPs for division
(PBP3/FtsI), elongation (PBP1), and shape (PBP2). FtsI loss causes
filamentation but does not alter cell shape in the way PBP2 mutations
do. This annotation conflates division with shape regulation.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:1103132
supporting_text: 'Cell shape: beta-Lactams that specifically result in the
production of ovoid cells bind to penicillin binding protein 2... Cell
division: beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit cell division bind preferentially
to penicillin binding protein 3'
- term:
id: GO:0008658
label: penicillin binding
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000120
review:
summary: Duplicate annotation for penicillin binding via combined IEA
methods.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core molecular function. Duplicates with different evidence
sources are acceptable.
- term:
id: GO:0008955
label: peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase activity
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000002
review:
summary: 'INCORRECT ANNOTATION. FtsI is a Class B PBP that lacks glycosyltransferase
activity. UniProt explicitly states: "Was originally thought to be a bifunctional
enzyme with transglycosylase and transpeptidase activities" (CAUTION). The
SEDS protein FtsW provides the glycosyltransferase activity in the FtsI-FtsW
complex [PMID:27525505].'
action: REMOVE
reason: This is a well-documented error. Meeske et al. 2016
[PMID:27525505] clearly state that Class B PBPs "have TP domains but
lack PGT activity." The glycosyltransferase activity is provided by SEDS
proteins (FtsW for division, RodA for elongation), not by Class B PBPs
like FtsI. The InterPro mapping that generated this IEA annotation is
incorrect for FtsI.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:27525505
supporting_text: Under these conditions, cross-linking of adjacent
glycan strands is likely carried out by the essential Class B PBPs
(for simplicity, bPBPs), which have TP domains but lack PGT activity
- term:
id: GO:0009002
label: serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase activity
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000120
review:
summary: 'FtsI catalyzes the transpeptidation reaction that cross-links peptidoglycan
strands. The EC number 3.4.16.4 describes this activity: "Preferential cleavage:
(Ac)2-L-Lys-D-Ala-|-D-Ala. Also transpeptidation of peptidyl-alanyl moieties."'
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core molecular function of FtsI. This is the primary enzymatic
activity that FtsI performs - a serine-type D,D-transpeptidase that
cleaves D-Ala-D-Ala bonds and catalyzes transpeptidation to cross-link
peptidoglycan.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:3531167
supporting_text: Activity of penicillin-binding protein 3 from
Escherichia coli
- reference_id: PMID:7030331
supporting_text: Peptidoglycan synthetic enzyme activities of highly
purified penicillin-binding protein 3
- term:
id: GO:0009252
label: peptidoglycan biosynthetic process
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000120
review:
summary: FtsI is directly involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis,
specifically the cross-linking step at the division septum
[PMID:6450748].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core biological process. FtsI catalyzes the transpeptidation
reaction that cross-links peptidoglycan strands during septal cell wall
synthesis. This is UniProt pathway annotation (UPA00219).
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:6450748
supporting_text: Evidence for involvement of penicillin-binding
protein 3 in murein synthesis during septation
- term:
id: GO:0016787
label: hydrolase activity
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
review:
summary: FtsI has hydrolase activity as part of its transpeptidase
mechanism (cleavage of D-Ala-D-Ala bonds).
action: KEEP_AS_NON_CORE
reason: Very general term. More specific terms like GO:0009002 are more
informative. Keep as non-core ancestor term.
- term:
id: GO:0043093
label: FtsZ-dependent cytokinesis
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000104
review:
summary: FtsI functions in FtsZ-dependent cell division. FtsI localization
to the septum requires prior localization of FtsZ [PMID:9603865].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Appropriate biological process. FtsI is part of the divisome that
assembles on the FtsZ ring scaffold. Localization is dependent on FtsZ
[PMID:9603865].
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:9603865
supporting_text: The localization of FtsI was not observed in ftsZ or
ftsA mutants, indicating that it was dependent on the prior
localization of these proteins
- term:
id: GO:0051301
label: cell division
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000120
review:
summary: FtsI is essential for cell division. Inhibition causes
filamentation and cell death [PMID:1103132].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core biological process. FtsI is required for septation and cell
division. Well-supported by experimental evidence.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:1103132
supporting_text: 'Cell division: beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit
cell division bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3'
- term:
id: GO:0071555
label: cell wall organization
evidence_type: IEA
original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
review:
summary: Duplicate annotation for cell wall organization via UniProt
keyword mapping.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Appropriate biological process. Duplicates acceptable with
different evidence.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:15774864
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with FtsQ (P06136) as shown by bacterial
two-hybrid analysis [PMID:15774864]. FtsQ is an essential divisome
protein.
action: MODIFY
reason: The interaction with FtsQ is well-documented but "protein binding"
is uninformative. Should be annotated with a more specific term or with
extension indicating the interacting partner. However, no suitable GO
term exists for "divisome protein binding" so keeping with IPI to
specific protein is acceptable.
proposed_replacement_terms:
- id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:15774864
supporting_text: Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane
proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial
two-hybrid analysis.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:15774864
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with FtsW (P0ABG4) as shown by bacterial
two-hybrid analysis [PMID:15774864]. FtsW-FtsI form a core subcomplex of
the divisome.
action: ACCEPT
reason: The FtsI-FtsW interaction is essential for divisome function. FtsW
is the lipid II transporter and glycosyltransferase that works with FtsI
[PMID:20847002].
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:20847002
supporting_text: The integral membrane FtsW protein and peptidoglycan
synthase PBP3 form a subcomplex in Escherichia coli
- reference_id: PMID:15774864
supporting_text: Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane
proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial
two-hybrid analysis.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:15774864
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with FtsL (P0AEN4) per bacterial two-hybrid
[PMID:15774864].
action: ACCEPT
reason: FtsL is an essential divisome protein that interacts with FtsI
within the FtsQLB complex.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:15774864
supporting_text: Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane
proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial
two-hybrid analysis.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:15774864
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with FtsN (P29131) per bacterial two-hybrid
[PMID:15774864]. FtsI is required for FtsN localization to the septum.
action: ACCEPT
reason: FtsN is recruited to the septum by FtsI [PMID:9282742]. This
interaction is functionally important.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:9282742
supporting_text: FtsN, a late recruit to the septum in Escherichia
coli
- reference_id: PMID:15774864
supporting_text: Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane
proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial
two-hybrid analysis.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:15774864
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with YmgF (P58034) per bacterial two-hybrid
[PMID:15774864].
action: ACCEPT
reason: YmgF is a small membrane protein that associates with the
divisome.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:15774864
supporting_text: Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane
proteins involved in cell division as revealed by bacterial
two-hybrid analysis.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:17185541
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with FtsQ (P06136). Study mapped the FtsQ domains
involved in interactions with divisome proteins [PMID:17185541].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Independent confirmation of FtsI-FtsQ interaction using domain
mapping.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:17185541
supporting_text: FtsQ, an essential protein for the Escherichia coli
divisome assembly, is able to interact with various division
proteins, namely FtsI, FtsL, FtsN, FtsB and FtsW
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:17185541
review:
summary: Cross-species interaction between E. coli FtsI and S. pneumoniae
DivIB.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Xenologous interaction supporting functional conservation of
divisome protein interactions.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:17185541
supporting_text: Three functional subdomains of the Escherichia coli
FtsQ protein are involved in its interaction with the other division
proteins.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:17938168
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with FtsN per [PMID:17938168]. The study examined
FtsN interactions with peptidoglycan synthases.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Additional evidence for FtsI-FtsN interaction.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:17938168
supporting_text: 2007 Oct 15. The essential cell division protein FtsN
interacts with the murein (peptidoglycan) synthase PBP1B in
Escherichia coli.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:18165305
review:
summary: FtsI (PBP3) interacts with PBP1B (P02919/mrcB). PBP1B is a
bifunctional Class A PBP with both glycosyltransferase and
transpeptidase activity [PMID:18165305].
action: ACCEPT
reason: PBP1B localizes to the septum and works with FtsI in septal
peptidoglycan synthesis. This interaction is functionally important.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:28233869
supporting_text: In E. coli, the complex formed by PBP1b, PBP3 and
FtsW constitutes the core-enzyme of the divisome
- reference_id: PMID:18165305
supporting_text: The monofunctional glycosyltransferase of Escherichia
coli localizes to the cell division site and interacts with
penicillin-binding protein 3, FtsW, and FtsN.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:18165305
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with MtgA (P46022), the monofunctional
glycosyltransferase [PMID:18165305].
action: ACCEPT
reason: MtgA localizes to the division site and interacts with PBP3, FtsW,
and FtsN, suggesting a role in septal peptidoglycan synthesis.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:18165305
supporting_text: The monofunctional peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase
(MtgA) catalyzes glycan chain elongation... is able to interact with
three constituents of the divisome, PBP3, FtsW, and FtsN
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:18978050
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with FtsL. Study characterized YmgF and its
association with the division machinery [PMID:18978050].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Additional evidence for FtsI-FtsL interaction.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:18978050
supporting_text: Characterization of YmgF, a 72-residue inner membrane
protein that associates with the Escherichia coli cell division
machinery.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:18978050
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with YmgF [PMID:18978050].
action: ACCEPT
reason: YmgF is a component of the E. coli cell division machinery.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:18978050
supporting_text: Characterization of YmgF, a 72-residue inner membrane
protein that associates with the Escherichia coli cell division
machinery.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:19458048
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with PBP1B. Crystal structure study of PBP1b
[PMID:19458048].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Supports FtsI-PBP1B interaction.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:19458048
supporting_text: Crystal structure of the membrane-bound bifunctional
transglycosylase PBP1b from Escherichia coli.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:20847002
review:
summary: FtsI forms a subcomplex with FtsW. FRET and
co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed direct interactions
[PMID:20847002].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Key evidence for the FtsI-FtsW subcomplex. This is a core
interaction for divisome function.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:20847002
supporting_text: In this work we show direct interactions between FtsW
and PBP3 in vivo and in vitro by FRET (FΓΆrster resonance energy
transfer) and co-immunoprecipitation experiments
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:22885295
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with FtsL. Study on Blr protein and the division
machinery [PMID:22885295].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Additional evidence for FtsI-FtsL interaction.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:22885295
supporting_text: The Ξ²-lactam resistance protein Blr, a small membrane
polypeptide, is a component of the Escherichia coli cell division
machinery.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:24561554
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with MtgA. Large-scale binary protein-protein
interaction study [PMID:24561554].
action: ACCEPT
reason: High-throughput confirmation of FtsI-MtgA interaction.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:24561554
supporting_text: Here we performed yeast two-hybrid screens of 3,305
baits against 3,606 preys
- term:
id: GO:0000917
label: division septum assembly
evidence_type: NAS
original_reference_id: PMID:28419603
review:
summary: FtsI is part of the divisome complex that assembles the division
septum. Review article [PMID:28419603].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Appropriate biological process annotation based on review
summarizing extensive experimental literature.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:28419603
supporting_text: Cell division in Escherichia coli is mediated by a
large protein complex called the divisome
- term:
id: GO:0005886
label: plasma membrane
evidence_type: NAS
original_reference_id: PMID:28419603
review:
summary: FtsI localizes to the plasma membrane via its N-terminal
transmembrane anchor.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Correct localization annotation.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:28419603
supporting_text: Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli
divisome.
- term:
id: GO:0032153
label: cell division site
evidence_type: NAS
original_reference_id: PMID:28419603
review:
summary: FtsI localizes to the cell division site (septum) during cell
division.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Appropriate cellular component annotation supported by
experimental evidence [PMID:9603865].
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:9603865
supporting_text: FtsI and FtsW are localized to the septum in
Escherichia coli
- reference_id: PMID:28419603
supporting_text: Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli
divisome.
- term:
id: GO:0043093
label: FtsZ-dependent cytokinesis
evidence_type: NAS
original_reference_id: PMID:28419603
review:
summary: FtsI functions in FtsZ-dependent cell division as part of the
divisome.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Appropriate biological process. FtsI localization depends on FtsZ.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:9603865
supporting_text: The localization of FtsI was not observed in ftsZ or
ftsA mutants
- reference_id: PMID:28419603
supporting_text: Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli
divisome.
- term:
id: GO:0051301
label: cell division
evidence_type: NAS
original_reference_id: PMID:28419603
review:
summary: FtsI is essential for cell division.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core biological process for FtsI.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:28419603
supporting_text: Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli
divisome.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:33895137
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with ZapG (YhcB, P0ADW3). ZapG is a novel cell
division protein linking the Z-ring to septal peptidoglycan synthesis
[PMID:33895137].
action: ACCEPT
reason: ZapG interacts with multiple divisome components including FtsI,
linking the Z-ring scaffold to peptidoglycan synthesis machinery.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:33895137
supporting_text: ZapG (YhcB/DUF1043), a novel cell division protein in
gamma-proteobacteria linking the Z-ring to septal peptidoglycan
synthesis
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:28233869
review:
summary: FtsI (PBP3) interacts with FtsW as part of a ternary complex with
PBP1b [PMID:28233869]. The study characterized the interplay between
these proteins in peptidoglycan synthesis.
action: ACCEPT
reason: Key evidence showing FtsW-PBP3-PBP1b form a ternary complex
essential for divisome function.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:28233869
supporting_text: PBP3 forms a complex with FtsW and its specific
transpeptidase activity is essential for cell division
- term:
id: GO:0009252
label: peptidoglycan biosynthetic process
evidence_type: RCA
original_reference_id: PMID:27525505
review:
summary: FtsI participates in peptidoglycan biosynthesis as the
transpeptidase that cross-links glycan strands during cell division
[PMID:27525505].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core biological process. The SEDS paper confirms Class B PBPs like
FtsI provide transpeptidase activity for cross-linking.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:27525505
supporting_text: cross-linking of adjacent glycan strands is likely
carried out by the essential Class B PBPs (for simplicity, bPBPs),
which have TP domains
- term:
id: GO:0008955
label: peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase activity
evidence_type: IMP
original_reference_id: PMID:6450748
review:
summary: INCORRECT ANNOTATION. This 1981 paper predates the discovery that
Class B PBPs lack glycosyltransferase activity. The glycosyltransferase
activity detected was likely due to contaminating Class A PBPs or the
associated SEDS protein FtsW. UniProt explicitly cautions this is an
error.
action: REMOVE
reason: 'Historical misattribution. Modern evidence [PMID:27525505] clearly
shows Class B PBPs like FtsI lack glycosyltransferase activity. The SEDS protein
FtsW (which forms a complex with FtsI) provides this activity. UniProt CAUTION
states: "Was originally thought to be a bifunctional enzyme with transglycosylase
and transpeptidase activities."'
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:27525505
supporting_text: the essential Class B PBPs (for simplicity, bPBPs),
which have TP domains but lack PGT activity
- reference_id: PMID:6450748
supporting_text: Evidence for involvement of penicillin-binding
protein 3 in murein synthesis during septation but not during cell
elongation.
- term:
id: GO:0005515
label: protein binding
evidence_type: IPI
original_reference_id: PMID:20497333
review:
summary: FtsI interacts with FtsN. FRET study on divisome protein
interactions [PMID:20497333].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Evidence for FtsI-FtsN interaction.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:20497333
supporting_text: Epub 2010 May 19. Direct interactions of early and
late assembling division proteins in Escherichia coli cells resolved
by FRET.
- term:
id: GO:0032153
label: cell division site
evidence_type: IDA
original_reference_id: PMID:9603865
review:
summary: FtsI was shown to localize to the septum by immunofluorescence
microscopy [PMID:9603865].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core cellular component annotation. Direct experimental evidence
(IDA) from immunofluorescence microscopy.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:9603865
supporting_text: The localization of FtsI (PBP3), a penicillin-binding
protein specifically required for cell division in Escherichia coli,
was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy and found to
localize to the septum
- term:
id: GO:0008658
label: penicillin binding
evidence_type: IDA
original_reference_id: PMID:1103132
review:
summary: Spratt 1975 demonstrated that beta-lactam antibiotics that
specifically inhibit cell division bind to PBP3 (FtsI) [PMID:1103132].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core molecular function. Classic paper establishing FtsI as a
penicillin- binding protein with direct experimental evidence.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:1103132
supporting_text: 'Cell division: beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit
cell division bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3 (molecular
weight 60,000)'
- term:
id: GO:0009410
label: response to xenobiotic stimulus
evidence_type: IMP
original_reference_id: PMID:1103132
review:
summary: FtsI binds beta-lactam antibiotics (xenobiotics), which inhibit
its activity and cause cell filamentation [PMID:1103132].
action: KEEP_AS_NON_CORE
reason: While accurate that FtsI responds to beta-lactam antibiotics
(xenobiotics), this is not a physiological function but rather a
pharmacological property. The response is inhibition of division. Keep
as non-core annotation.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:1103132
supporting_text: beta-Lactams that specifically inhibit cell division
bind preferentially to penicillin binding protein 3
- term:
id: GO:0051301
label: cell division
evidence_type: IMP
original_reference_id: PMID:1103132
review:
summary: Temperature-sensitive FtsI mutants fail to divide at
non-permissive temperature, demonstrating FtsI is essential for cell
division [PMID:1103132].
action: ACCEPT
reason: Core biological process with strong IMP evidence. Spratt showed
that a temperature-sensitive cell division mutant has a thermolabile
protein 3.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:1103132
supporting_text: A temperature-sensitive cell division mutant has been
shown to have a thermolabile protein 3
- term:
id: GO:0008955
label: peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase activity
evidence_type: IDA
original_reference_id: PMID:7030331
review:
summary: INCORRECT ANNOTATION. This 1981 paper reported
glycosyltransferase activity for purified PBP3, but this was later shown
to be incorrect. FtsI is a Class B PBP that lacks glycosyltransferase
activity. Any detected activity was likely from contaminating enzymes or
the associated FtsW.
action: REMOVE
reason: Historical misattribution now known to be incorrect. Class B PBPs
lack glycosyltransferase (PGT) activity [PMID:27525505]. UniProt states
[PMID:7030331] in its CAUTION that FtsI was "originally thought to be a
bifunctional enzyme." The glycosyltransferase activity is provided by
SEDS proteins (FtsW) or Class A PBPs (PBP1a, PBP1b), not by FtsI.
supported_by:
- reference_id: PMID:27525505
supporting_text: the essential Class B PBPs (for simplicity, bPBPs),
which have TP domains but lack PGT activity
- reference_id: PMID:7030331
supporting_text: 'Peptidoglycan synthetic enzyme activities of highly purified
penicillin-binding protein 3 in Escherichia coli: a septum-forming reaction
sequence.'
references:
- id: GO_REF:0000002
title: Gene Ontology annotation through association of InterPro records with
GO terms
findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000033
title: Annotation inferences using phylogenetic trees
findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000043
title: Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot keyword
mapping
findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000104
title: Electronic Gene Ontology annotations created by transferring manual
GO annotations between related proteins based on shared sequence features
findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000120
title: Combined Automated Annotation using Multiple IEA Methods
findings: []
- id: PMID:1103132
title: Distinct penicillin binding proteins involved in the division,
elongation, and shape of Escherichia coli K12.
findings: []
- id: PMID:15774864
title: Interaction network among Escherichia coli membrane proteins involved
in cell division as revealed by bacterial two-hybrid analysis.
findings: []
- id: PMID:17185541
title: Three functional subdomains of the Escherichia coli FtsQ protein are
involved in its interaction with the other division proteins.
findings: []
- id: PMID:17938168
title: The essential cell division protein FtsN interacts with the murein
(peptidoglycan) synthase PBP1B in Escherichia coli.
findings: []
- id: PMID:18165305
title: The monofunctional glycosyltransferase of Escherichia coli localizes
to the cell division site and interacts with penicillin-binding protein 3,
FtsW, and FtsN.
findings: []
- id: PMID:18978050
title: Characterization of YmgF, a 72-residue inner membrane protein that
associates with the Escherichia coli cell division machinery.
findings: []
- id: PMID:19458048
title: Crystal structure of the membrane-bound bifunctional transglycosylase
PBP1b from Escherichia coli.
findings: []
- id: PMID:20497333
title: Direct interactions of early and late assembling division proteins in
Escherichia coli cells resolved by FRET.
findings: []
- id: PMID:20847002
title: The integral membrane FtsW protein and peptidoglycan synthase PBP3
form a subcomplex in Escherichia coli.
findings: []
- id: PMID:22885295
title: The Ξ²-lactam resistance protein Blr, a small membrane polypeptide, is
a component of the Escherichia coli cell division machinery.
findings: []
- id: PMID:24561554
title: The binary protein-protein interaction landscape of Escherichia coli.
findings: []
- id: PMID:27525505
title: SEDS proteins are a widespread family of bacterial cell wall
polymerases.
findings: []
- id: PMID:28233869
title: Interplay between Penicillin-binding proteins and SEDS proteins
promotes bacterial cell wall synthesis.
findings: []
- id: PMID:28419603
title: Assembly and activation of the Escherichia coli divisome.
findings: []
- id: PMID:33895137
title: ZapG (YhcB/DUF1043), a novel cell division protein in
gamma-proteobacteria linking the Z-ring to septal peptidoglycan synthesis.
findings: []
- id: PMID:6450748
title: Evidence for involvement of penicillin-binding protein 3 in murein
synthesis during septation but not during cell elongation.
findings: []
- id: PMID:7030331
title: 'Peptidoglycan synthetic enzyme activities of highly purified penicillin-binding
protein 3 in Escherichia coli: a septum-forming reaction sequence.'
findings: []
- id: PMID:9603865
title: FtsI and FtsW are localized to the septum in Escherichia coli.
findings: []
- id: PMID:2677607
title: Membrane topology of penicillin-binding protein 3 of Escherichia
coli.
findings: []
- id: PMID:9282742
title: FtsN, a late recruit to the septum in Escherichia coli.
findings: []
- id: PMID:9614966
title: The structure and function of Escherichia coli penicillin-binding
protein 3.
findings: []
- id: PMID:3531167
title: Activity of penicillin-binding protein 3 from Escherichia coli.
findings: []
- id: file:ECOLI/ftsI/ftsI-deep-research-falcon.md
title: Deep research on ftsI function
findings: []
core_functions:
- molecular_function:
id: GO:0009002
label: serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase activity
description: 'Septal peptidoglycan cross-linking: FtsI catalyzes the transpeptidation
reaction that cross-links peptidoglycan strands specifically at the division
septum. It is a D,D-transpeptidase (EC 3.4.16.4) that cleaves D-Ala-D-Ala bonds
and forms peptide cross-links. This is the primary enzymatic activity of FtsI
[PMID:3531167, PMID:7030331].'
- molecular_function:
id: GO:0008658
label: penicillin binding
description: 'Penicillin binding: FtsI is one of the major penicillin-binding
proteins (PBP3). Beta-lactam antibiotics inhibit FtsI by binding to its active
site serine, blocking cell division [PMID:1103132]. This property makes FtsI
a key antibiotic target.'
aliases:
- PBP3
- PbpB
- b0084
- JW0082