Ancient Bacteria Turned a DNA System Into a Cell Skeleton

Researchers at ISTA and collaborators found that a DNA-segregation system in Anabaena has evolved into CorM filaments that function like a cytoskeleton.

The filament network helps shape cells in multicellular cyanobacteria, rather than only separating DNA.

The discovery reveals how an ancient protein system was repurposed for a new cellular role.

It offers new insight into the evolution of multicellularity and cell architecture in oxygen-producing bacteria.