Regulation of Cell Division in Streptococci: Comparing with the Model Rods

Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2019:32:259-326. doi: 10.21775/cimb.032.259. Epub 2019 Jun 5.

Abstract

Streptococcus is a genus of oval-shaped bacteria that act as both commensals and pathogens. Streptococcal infections are relevant to high morbidity and huge socioeconomic costs, with drug resistant strains becoming an increasing threat. Cell division plays an essential role during streptococcal colonization and infection, rendering it an ideal target for antibiotics. Substantial progress has been made to uncover the molecular biology and cellular processes of cell division, favoring the target strategies. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of streptococcal cell division and its regulatory mechanisms regarding the conserved proteins, by comparing with model rods. Peptidoglycan synthesis that involved in septum formation and the maintenance of the unique oval shape have been spatiotemporally controlled in concert with the pace of division. With newly available tools of genetic and cytological study, streptococci will become an additional model bacterial system for cytokinesis and novel therapeutic agents that target cell division.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cell Division*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / genetics*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Peptidoglycan / metabolism
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / pathology
  • Streptococcus / cytology
  • Streptococcus / drug effects
  • Streptococcus / genetics*
  • Streptococcus / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • FtsA protein, Bacteria
  • FtsZ protein, Bacteria
  • Peptidoglycan