4TM_FtsK is the integral membrane domain of the FtsK DNA tranlocases. During sporulation in Bacillus subtilis, the SpoIIIE protein is believed to form a translocation pore at the leading edge of the nearly closed septum. The E. coli FtsK protein is homologous to SpoIIIE, and can free chromosomes trapped in vegetative septa.

1: Double-stranded DNA translocation: structure and mechanism of hexameric FtsK. Massey TH, Mercogliano CP, Yates J, Sherratt DJ, Lowe J; Mol Cell. 2006;23:457-469. PMID:16916635

2: The FtsK gamma domain directs oriented DNA translocation by interacting with KOPS. Sivanathan V, Allen MD, de Bekker C, Baker R, Arciszewska LK, Freund SM, Bycroft M, Lowe J, Sherratt DJ; Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2006;13:965-972. PMID:17057717

3: Molecular mechanism of sequence-directed DNA loading and translocation by FtsK. Lowe J, Ellonen A, Allen MD, Atkinson C, Sherratt DJ, Grainge I; Mol Cell. 2008;31:498-509. PMID:18722176