The function of Crescentin in Caulobacter species is:
Caulobacter crescentus aquatic oligotrophic bacterium displays crescent curved morphology enhancing nutrient uptake and surface attachment under flow conditions in streams. Curvature determinant is Crescentin protein encoded creS gene, structural homolog intermediate filaments eukaryotic like vimentin despite no sequence homology but coiled coil oligomerization forming filaments. Crescentin filaments localize to inner concave side of cell attached to membrane via scaffold proteins, forming elastic structure imposing mechanical constraint on peptidoglycan growth. Model suggests filament reduces
Ref: Ausmees et al., Cell 2003, Crescentin mediates curved cell shape in Caulobacter.
