Interdependence of bacterial cell division and genome segregation and its potential in drug development

Abstract

Cell division and genome segregation are mutually interdependent processes, which are tightly linked with bacterial multiplication. Mechanisms underlying cell division and the cellular machinery involved are largely conserved across bacteria. Segregation of genome elements on the other hand, follows different pathways depending upon its type and the functional components encoded on these elements. Small molecules, that are known to inhibit cell division and/or resolution of intertwined circular chromosome and maintenace of DNA topology have earlier been tested as antibacterial agents. The utility of such drugs in controlling bacterial infections has witnessed only partial success, possibly due to functional redundancy associated with targeted components. However, in due course, literature has grown with newer information. This review has brought forth some recent findings on bacterial cell division with special emphasis on crosstalk between cell division and genome segregation that could be explored as novel targets in drug development.

Keywords: Antibacterial drug development; Cell cycle regulation; Cell division and genome segregation; DivIVA; FtsK; Multifunctional protein regulators; Ser/Thr protein kinase; Ser/Thr protein phopshorylation; ‘Par’ proteins.