Recombinant Bacillus subtilis DNA translocase SpoIIIE (spoIIIE)

Plays an essential role during sporulation. Required for the translocation of the chromosomal DNA from mother cell into the forespore during polar septation, for the final steps of compartmentalization in the presence of trapped DNA, and for the final steps of engulfment. The N-terminus mediates localization to the division septum and is required for both septal membrane fusion and engulfment membrane fusion. May form DNA-conducting channels across the two lipid bilayers of the septum after cell division. The C-terminus functions as a DNA motor that exports DNA in an ATP-dependent manner from mother cell into the forespore. DNA-binding proteins are stripped off the chromosome during translocation, which may play a key role in reprogramming developmental gene expression in the forespore. The two arms of the chromosome are simultaneously pumped into the forespore, which suggests that the septum contains at least two channels, one for each arm. Required for separation of chromosome termini. Also required for optimal chromosome partitioning in vegetative cells, by actively moving chromosomal DNA trapped within the division septum into the daughter cells.