This application described experiments that will shed light on the bacterial cell cycle and elucidate ways in which this process might be targeted by small molecules to cure infections resistant to current antibiotics. Central to bacterial cell cycle is a protein called FtsZ, which is similar in structure to mammalian tubulin. Although many natural products and other small molecules target tubulin effectively, resulting in therapies for curing cancer, the ability to target the bacterial cell cycle and halt resistant infections has not been fully explored. We will develop efficient syntheses of several FtsZ-targeting natural products and we will use NMR spectroscopy to discern how these molecules interact with FtsZ. With this insight, we will then use computational chemistry to interpret the molecular interactions that result in binding and how to design more potent molecules. We will also use information provided by X-ray crystallography in the design of protein-mimicking small molecules that can disrupt bacterial cell division and possibly halt the bacterial response to DNA damage, which could render the organism more susceptible to current antibiotics.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed research will reveal new potential targets within that bacterial cell cycle that may enable new medicines to be developed to combat resistant infections. Many diseases caused by bacteria, such as staph infections caused by MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), can no longer be cured with current antibiotics because the bacteria have developed resistance. Our research will result in knowledge about how bacteria divide and multiply so that this essential process, which may not mutate and develop resistance as quickly as other processes, can be targeted with new drugs.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI080931-04
Application #
8462529
Study Section
Synthetic and Biological Chemistry B Study Section (SBCB)
Program Officer
Franceschi, Francois J
Project Start
2010-06-01
Project End
2015-05-31
Budget Start
2013-06-01
Budget End
2014-05-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$350,625
Indirect Cost
$117,975
Name
University of California Davis
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
047120084
City
Davis
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
95618
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