Effective GTP-replacing FtsZ inhibitors and antibacterial mechanism of action

ACS Chem Biol. 2015 Mar 20;10(3):834-43. doi: 10.1021/cb500974d. Epub 2014 Dec 30.

Abstract

Essential cell division protein FtsZ is considered an attractive target in the search for antibacterials with novel mechanisms of action to overcome the resistance problem. FtsZ undergoes GTP-dependent assembly at midcell to form the Z-ring, a dynamic structure that evolves until final constriction of the cell. Therefore, molecules able to inhibit its activity will eventually disrupt bacterial viability. In this work, we report a new series of small molecules able to replace GTP and to specifically inhibit FtsZ, blocking the bacterial division process. These new synthesized inhibitors interact with the GTP-binding site of FtsZ (Kd = 0.4-0.8 μM), display antibacterial activity against Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, and show selectivity against tubulin. Biphenyl derivative 28 stands out as a potent FtsZ inhibitor (Kd = 0.5 μM) with high antibacterial activity [MIC (MRSA) = 7 μM]. In-depth analysis of the mechanism of action of compounds 22, 28, 33, and 36 has revealed that they act as effective inhibitors of correct FtsZ assembly, blocking bacterial division and thus leading to filamentous undivided cells. These findings provide a compelling rationale for the development of compounds targeting the GTP-binding site as antibacterial agents and open the door to antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacillus subtilis / chemistry
  • Bacillus subtilis / drug effects*
  • Bacillus subtilis / growth & development
  • Bacterial Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Binding Sites
  • Biphenyl Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Biphenyl Compounds / chemistry
  • Biphenyl Compounds / pharmacology
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / chemistry
  • Guanosine Triphosphate / chemistry*
  • Kinetics
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / chemistry
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / growth & development
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Models, Molecular
  • Naphthalenes / chemical synthesis*
  • Naphthalenes / chemistry
  • Naphthalenes / pharmacology
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • FtsZ protein, Bacteria
  • Naphthalenes
  • Guanosine Triphosphate