Bacterial cell cycle proteins

Bacterial cell cycle proteins are a collection of essential molecular targets involved in the orchestration of DNA replication, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis in bacteria (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2014, 12: 821–838). The most prominent target is FtsZ, a prokaryotic tubulin homolog that assembles into the Z-ring at the site of cell division, serving as a scaffold for the divisome (Biochem J, 2017, 474(12): 1945–1964). Other critical components include MreB, an actin homolog that directs cell wall synthesis, and DNA gyrase, which manages DNA supercoiling during replication (Frontiers in Microbiology, 2019, 10: 2311). These proteins are vital for maintaining bacterial structural integrity and ensuring the faithful transmission of genetic material to daughter cells. Because these proteins are highly conserved across many bacterial species but differ significantly from eukaryotic counterparts, they offer a high degree of selectivity for antibiotic development (Antibiotics (Basel), 2021, 10(11): 1322). Inhibiting these targets typically results in the cessation of cell growth, abnormal cell morphology (such as filamentation), and eventual cell death. Consequently, they are being extensively studied to address the rising challenge of antimicrobial resistance (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2016, 59(9): 4113-4134).

Other names

Bacterial cell cycle genesCell division proteinsBacterial replication machineryDivisome componentsReplisome components

Inhibition of Z-ring formation (FtsZ), inhibition of DNA supercoiling (Gyrase), disruption of cell wall morphogenesis (MreB), and inhibition of DNA replication initiation (DnaA).