Open AccessRegulation of Cell Division in Streptococci: Comparing with the Model Rods
Author(s) -
Zhi Quan Xiang,
Zongbo Li,
Jumei Zeng,
Yuqing Li,
Jiyao Li
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
current issues in molecular biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.835
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1467-3045
pISSN - 1467-3037
DOI - 10.21775/cimb.032.259
Subject(s) - cell division , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , ftsz , peptidoglycan , cytokinesis , antibiotics , division (mathematics) , bacterial cell structure , cell , bacteria , computational biology , genetics , arithmetic , mathematics
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.