Filamentous Thermosensitive Mutant Z: An Appealing Target for Emerging Pathogens and a Trek on Its Natural Inhibitors

Simple Summary Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing issue worldwide that must be addressed swiftly. It is driven by spontaneous evolution, bacterial mutation, and the dissemination of resistant genes via horizontal gene transfer. Researchers are working on many novel targets, which can become a pathway to inhibit harmful bacteria. Filamentous Thermosensitive mutant-Z (Fts-Z) is one such bacterial target that has gained popularity amongst scientists due to its conserved nature in bacteria and absence in eukaryotes. The aim of this work was to review the Fts-Z mechanism of action along with current studies on natural inhibitors for Fts-Z. Abstract Antibiotic resistance is a major emerging issue in the health care sector, as highlighted by the WHO. Filamentous Thermosensitive mutant Z (Fts-Z) is gaining significant attention in the scientific community as a potential anti-bacterial target for fighting antibiotic resistance among several pathogenic bacteria. The Fts-Z plays a key role in bacterial cell division by allowing Z ring formation. Several in vitro and in silico experiments have demonstrated that inhibition of Fts-Z can lead to filamentous growth of the cells, and finally, cell death occurs. Many natural compounds that have successfully inhibited Fts-Z are also studied. This review article intended to highlight the structural–functional aspect of Fts-Z that leads to Z-ring formation and its contribution to the biochemistry and physiology of cells. The current trend of natural inhibitors of Fts-Z protein is also covered.


Introduction
The story of antibiotics began in the 1930s with the discovery of Penicillin, the first antibiotic, by Alexander Fleming. The next 40 years were a "golden era", and even the current antibiotics are the outcome of research work done during that time [1]. In that phase, the discovery of antibiotics was considered to be a sign of victory over bacterial Bacterial cell division is being considered as the new antibiotic target and efforts are being made to identify compounds that either directly interact with the major divisome machinery or affect the structural integrity of Fts-Z by inhibiting its activity [35]. A few other targets from divisome machinery on which studies have already been done are Fts-A [45], Fts-BLQ, Fts-N [46], Fts-K [47], Fts-Q [48] Fts-W [49]. Some of these studies include divisome proteins to be potent targets while others aim to understand the roles of these in division to find new targets against pathogens. The functions of some of the essential cell division proteins has been summarized in Table 1.  [47,[50][51][52]).

Protein Function Interacting Protein
Fts-Z Cytoskeleton protein, Self-polymerizing GTPase which forms Z-ring/proto ring and recruitment of other proteins Bacterial cell division is being considered as the new antibiotic target and efforts are being made to identify compounds that either directly interact with the major divisome machinery or affect the structural integrity of Fts-Z by inhibiting its activity [35]. A few other targets from divisome machinery on which studies have already been done are Fts-A [45], Fts-BLQ, Fts-N [46], Fts-K [47], Fts-Q [48] Fts-W [49]. Some of these studies include divisome proteins to be potent targets while others aim to understand the roles of these in division to find new targets against pathogens. The functions of some of the essential cell division proteins has been summarized in Table 1.  [47,[50][51][52]).

Protein Function Interacting Protein
Fts-Z Cytoskeleton protein, Self-polymerizing GTPase which forms Z-ring/proto ring and recruitment of other proteins

Fts-Z: An Appealing Antibacterial Target
Generally, bacteria undergo binary fission wherein, the divisome machinery coordinates the entire process with varying constituents across the species. In Gram negative bacteria the cell division process occurs in two phases: Early Divisome where the assembly of the Z ring occurs and Late Divisome where remodeling of Peptidoglycan and Septation occurs. Formation of the division site is the first step followed by elongation, septum formation, then chromosome is divided and lastly at the division site two daughter nuclei are formed [50,53,54]. The divisome complex comprises of more than 30 genes (including the important ones-Fts A, Fts B, Fts I, Fts K, Fts L, Fts N, Fts Q, Fts W, Fts Z and Zip A) of which Fts Z, a 40 kDa septal ring progenitor protein with 383 residues, is responsible for proto ring formation. It is after this gene only that the splitting initiates [54][55][56]. For this reason, it is extensively explored. It has been named so because its mutant causes filamentation in E. coli cells at extreme temperatures, thus called "filamentous temperature sensitive" [57][58][59][60][61][62]. It forms a dais for assembly and is the prime energy source for cell wall constriction [63][64][65][66][67][68][69]. Fts-Z forms ring like constriction 'the Z-ring' (which is usually at the midpoint of the rod lying perpendicular to the long cell axis in E. coli and B. subtilis), and further downstream recruitment of~13 other proteins take place which guides the location, synthesis, and shape of division septum. Many molecular mechanisms such as Zap and Min proteins, work together to govern Z ring placement [70]. Tethering of the membrane is mediated by Fts-A (along with Zip A in Gram-positive and Sep F in Gram-negative microbes). This complex of Fts-Z along with Fts-A (Sep F/Zip A) is a 'proto-ring'. Fts-Z driven constriction has been defined by two well-known models: the sliding model and the bending model. The first model is dependent on the treadmilling of Fts-Z monomers causing the sliding of filaments against each other and the tightening of the ring occurs by overlapping filaments. The bending model is based on conformations change in protomers during GTP hydrolysis which induces a curvature in filaments. This happens only when Fts-Z is attached to the membrane so that a force is exerted on the membrane allowing invagination when peptidoglycan remodeling enzymes are present [47,71].
Due to its conserved nature amongst nearly all prokaryotes, and absence in the eukaryotes, it is being considered to be an appealing target for forming antibiotics and thus the molecules which can inhibit its activity will eventually disrupt the bacterial viability of pathogens. Figure 2 shows how polymerization occurs in normal Fts-Z ring formation and also the way Fts-Z molecules depolymerize in the presence of inhibitors. The mechanism of action of Fts-Z inhibitors can be: (a) through Fts-Z assembly inhibition [72][73][74]; (b) through entire Z-ring inhibition as done by berberine [48], cinnamaldehyde [75]; (c) through stimulating or discontinuing Fts-Z polymerization to disturb cytokinesis as done by taxanes [76,77], Mci-Z [78] etc.; (d) elevating or hindering GTPase activity to obstruct cytokinesis as done by curcumin [53], benzimidazoles; Fts-Z delocalization through point foci formation as done by certain synthetic compounds [79]. These all will cause the cell to elongate into a filamentous structure and eventually will result in cell death [80].

Structural and Functional Aspect of Fts-Z
The Fts-Z protein is broadly characterized into 5 portions: 2 conserved globular subdomains, N-terminal starting from residue 13 to residue 178 and C-terminal starting from residue 209 to 314, connected to each other by a central helix (α-H7 starting from residue 179 to 202) and a synergy loop (T7) which connects α-H7 and H8., ( Figure 3A) [81]. The N-terminal subunit and the C-terminal linker which is quite unstructured and least conserved, the C terminal tail responsible for interacting/contacting between Fts-Z and other auxiliary proteins for the formation of protofilaments of Z-ring and the C-terminal variable which makes lateral contacts if the modulatory proteins are not present at the site [82]. N-terminal has nucleotide binding motif with parallel beta sheets connected to α helices called "Rossmann fold". Thus, the binding cavity of this protein is formed by the conjugation point between the two monomer units and GTP hydrolyses rely on their assembly, which is further dependent on the binding of Mg ++ ion and monovalent cations [57] .

Structural and Functional Aspect of Fts-Z
The Fts-Z protein is broadly characterized into 5 portions: 2 conserved globular subdomains, N-terminal starting from residue 13 to residue 178 and C-terminal starting from residue 209 to 314, connected to each other by a central helix (α-H7 starting from residue 179 to 202) and a synergy loop (T7) which connects α-H7 and H8., ( Figure 3A) [81]. The N-terminal subunit and the C-terminal linker which is quite unstructured and least conserved, the C terminal tail responsible for interacting/contacting between Fts-Z and other auxiliary proteins for the formation of protofilaments of Z-ring and the C-terminal variable which makes lateral contacts if the modulatory proteins are not present at the site [82]. N-terminal has nucleotide binding motif with parallel beta sheets connected to α helices called "Rossmann fold". Thus, the binding cavity of this protein is formed by the conjugation point between the two monomer units and GTP hydrolyses rely on their assembly, which is further dependent on the binding of Mg ++ ion and monovalent cations [57].
Certain studies indicate the structural homology of this crucial protein with human tubulin protein, sharing a common ancestry although significant differences between amino-acid sequences were reported. Both the proteins tether and hydrolyze GTP and polymerize into a GTP dependent fashion which is another point where biochemical similarity is revealed [83,84]. Sequence motifs of Fts-Z like GGGTGTG, are also monograms of alpha-, beta-and gamma-tubulins and are connected to GTP binding ability. Another important motif, G-box, a seven amino acid sequence (SAG)GGTG(SAT)G was also found to be conserved in the tubulin family from different species [59]. Studies of the archaeal group gave indications that Fts-Z might have evolved to tubulin [60]. The variation in the structure was reported at the hydrophobic cleft which is at H7 where the N terminus is connected to the C terminus [85,86]. This hydrophobic cleft is absent in eukaryotic protein which is shown in Figure 3B.
served, the C terminal tail responsible for interacting/contacting between Fts-Z and other auxiliary proteins for the formation of protofilaments of Z-ring and the C-terminal variable which makes lateral contacts if the modulatory proteins are not present at the site [82]. N-terminal has nucleotide binding motif with parallel beta sheets connected to α helices called "Rossmann fold". Thus, the binding cavity of this protein is formed by the conjugation point between the two monomer units and GTP hydrolyses rely on their assembly, which is further dependent on the binding of Mg ++ ion and monovalent cations [57] .

Fts-Z Inhibition: A Strategy to Combat AMR
Fts-Z is being explored as potent target for inhibiting emerging microbes due to its central role in Z-ring formation and conserved nature in nearly all bacterial species and absence in higher eukaryotes. Its absence in bacteria induces filamentation and cell death occurs [85].
Research work is being carried out to screen phytocompounds and other natural compounds using in-vitro and in-silico techniques. Some of the natural compounds such as berberine [87], curcumin [88], cinnamaldehyde [89], plumbagin [90], viriditoxin [91], dichamanetins [92], coumarins [93], Chrysophaentins [94] and some phenylpropanoids [95] and some have recently been investigated for Fts-Z inhibitors and antimicrobial properties. A few potential inhibitors of Fts-Z are discussed below ( Figure 4). Certain studies indicate the structural homology of this crucial protein with huma tubulin protein, sharing a common ancestry although significant differences betwee amino-acid sequences were reported. Both the proteins tether and hydrolyze GTP and po ymerize into a GTP dependent fashion which is another point where biochemical similari is revealed [83,84]. Sequence motifs of Fts-Z like GGGTGTG, are also monograms of alph , beta-and gamma-tubulins and are connected to GTP binding ability. Another importa motif, G-box, a seven amino acid sequence (SAG)GGTG(SAT)G was also found to be co served in the tubulin family from different species [59]. Studies of the archaeal group gav indications that Fts-Z might have evolved to tubulin [60]. The variation in the structure w reported at the hydrophobic cleft which is at H7 where the N terminus is connected to th C terminus [85,86]. This hydrophobic cleft is absent in eukaryotic protein which is shown Figure 3B.

Fts-Z Inhibition: A Strategy to Combat AMR
Fts-Z is being explored as potent target for inhibiting emerging microbes due to its centr role in Z-ring formation and conserved nature in nearly all bacterial species and absence higher eukaryotes. Its absence in bacteria induces filamentation and cell death occurs [85].
Research work is being carried out to screen phytocompounds and other natur compounds using in-vitro and in-silico techniques. Some of the natural compounds suc as berberine [87], curcumin [88], cinnamaldehyde [89], plumbagin [90], viriditoxin [91 dichamanetins [92], coumarins [93], Chrysophaentins [94] and some phenylpropanoid [95] and some have recently been investigated for Fts-Z inhibitors and antimicrobial pro erties. A few potential inhibitors of Fts-Z are discussed below ( Figure 4).   in-silico technique and the found interdomain region participating actively in the docking comparable to that of PC190723 [61]. The planar structure of the compound is best suited for interaction with the C-terminus beta sheet of Fts-Z protein. Further they designed and synthesized 9-phenoxyalkyl substituted derivatives of berberine ( Figure 6) and found a compound that has a high potent activity which was further verified through in-vitro antimicrobial susceptibility assay and GTPase activity assay. Dasgupta and colleagues, a few years earlier had reported the inhibitory activity of berberine through In-vitro isothermal colorimetry (ITC) and STD NMR spectroscopy [75]. The studies indicated the overlap of the binding site of berberine with the GTP binding pocket in the Fts-Z protein. Berberine also had low toxicity rates and some other side effects like that of bilirubin -induced brain damage causing jaundice in infants and expecting mothers [87,96,97]. y 2022, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW that of PC190723 [61]. The planar structure of the compound is best the C-terminus beta sheet of Fts-Z protein. Further they designed a yalkyl substituted derivatives of berberine ( Figure 6) and found a c potent activity which was further verified through in-vitro antimic and GTPase activity assay. Dasgupta and colleagues, a few years ea hibitory activity of berberine through In-vitro isothermal colorime spectroscopy [75]. The studies indicated the overlap of the binding GTP binding pocket in the Fts-Z protein. Berberine also had low tox side effects like that of bilirubin -induced brain damage causing ja pecting mothers [87,96,97].   that of PC190723 [61]. The planar structure of the compound is best the C-terminus beta sheet of Fts-Z protein. Further they designed a yalkyl substituted derivatives of berberine ( Figure 6) and found a c potent activity which was further verified through in-vitro antimic and GTPase activity assay. Dasgupta and colleagues, a few years e hibitory activity of berberine through In-vitro isothermal colorime spectroscopy [75]. The studies indicated the overlap of the binding GTP binding pocket in the Fts-Z protein. Berberine also had low tox side effects like that of bilirubin -induced brain damage causing ja pecting mothers [87,96,97].   In-silico studies done on PDB-4DXD (interacting residues were Ile197, Leu200, Val203, Leu209, Met226, Leu261, Val297 and Ile311) [61]. Source: PubChem-CID 12456.

Cinnamaldehyde and Derivatives
Cinnamaldehyde (IUPAC: (E)-3-phenylprop-2-enal), (Figure uct from spices (stem bark of Cinnamomum cassia) has shown an a inal properties. It has been reported to possess inhibitory activity tous molds and many bacteria through various pathways includin biosynthesis, changing of membrane structure and integrity and i ity [63]. Domadia and coworkers reported in-vitro, in-silico and namaldehyde to perturb Z ring morphology and GTP hydrolysis 0.2 µ/M [76]. Molecular modeling results were in concordance showing binding at the T7 loop in the C-terminal region. The re sequence alignment) also showed some of the residues-R202, V2 be highly conserved among Fts-Z. Xin and coworkers worked on d dehyde where they found that substitution in the benzene ring a

Cinnamaldehyde and Derivatives
Cinnamaldehyde (IUPAC: (E)-3-phenylprop-2-enal), (Figure 8) a plant derived product from spices (stem bark of Cinnamomum cassia) has shown an array of potential medicinal properties. It has been reported to possess inhibitory activity against yeasts, filamentous molds and many bacteria through various pathways including inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis, changing of membrane structure and integrity and inhibiting GTPase activity [63]. Domadia and coworkers reported in-vitro, in-silico and in-vivo activity of cinnamaldehyde to perturb Z ring morphology and GTP hydrolysis with an affinity of 1.0 ± 0.2 µ/M [76]. Molecular modeling results were in concordance with STD-NMR results showing binding at the T7 loop in the C-terminal region. The results of MSA (multiple sequence alignment) also showed some of the residues-R202, V208, N263, G295, N263 to be highly conserved among Fts-Z. Xin and coworkers worked on derivatives of cinnamaldehyde where they found that substitution in the benzene ring at ortho or para position of cinnamaldehyde, by small groups increased the activity of compounds so synthesized against different microbes. They further stated that 2-methyl benzimidazoyl moiety was had a better efficiency against all strains, they tested and gave three compounds (marked as 3, 8, 10 in [94]) which had MIC of 4 µg mL −1 in two compounds and 10 µg mL −1 against S. aureus (ATCC 25923). Two compounds (marked as 4, 10 in [64]) gave MIC (4 µg mL −1 )values 32 times better than the reference drugs used. against different microbes. They further stated that 2-methyl benzimidazo had a better efficiency against all strains, they tested and gave three compo as 3, 8, 10 in [94]) which had MIC of 4 µg mL −1 in two compounds and 10 µ S. aureus (ATCC 25923). Two compounds (marked as 4, 10 in [64]) ga mL −1 )values 32 times better than the reference drugs used. In 2015, another group of researchers took this study one step further by synthesizing cinnamaldehyde derivatives and reported comparable activity of them wherein some possessed cell division inhibition properties in S. aureus between 0.25-4 µg mL −1 . They found good activity when 2-methylbenzimidazolyl substitution was at the first position and 2,4-dichlorophenyl was at the third position. Polymerization inhibition and GTPase activity of S. aureus Fts-Z were shown in dose-dependent manner through biological assays of compounds [94].

Chrysophaentins
Chrysophaentins are group of anti-infectives obtained from marine sources, chrysophyte alga, Chryosphaeum taylori, including 8 phytochemicals (A-H), showed the inhibitory activity for MRSA, VREF (vancomycin-resistant E. faecium) and S. aureus [93]. Of these, Chrysophaentin A (IUPAC: (9E,25E) (Figure 9) showed the most potent antibacterial activity and also inhibited GTPase activity in E. coli which was attributed to the presence of hydroxyl group. Also, Chrysophaentins A had 12-fold higher MIC 50 as compared to Chrysophaentins D, due to the presence of chlorine at chains A and C. Another compound hemi-Chrysophaentins( Figure 10) was synthesized and reported to have a reaction system of Chrysophaentins A [67].

Coumarins
Coumarins (IUPAC: chromen-2-one), ( Figure 11) are 1,2-benzopyro were derived from different plants with a proven Fts-Z inhibition activity 2H-chromen-2-one composed of lactone and aromatic ring, along with 2 forming bonds with enzyme residues and thus are responsible for pharmac erties. The aromatic ring also plays role in destabilizing enzymes by formin

Coumarins
Coumarins (IUPAC: chromen-2-one), ( Figure 11) are 1,2-benzopyrone derivatives were derived from different plants with a proven Fts-Z inhibition activity. They have a 2Hchromen-2-one composed of lactone and aromatic ring, along with 2 oxygen atoms forming bonds with enzyme residues and thus are responsible for pharmacological properties. The aromatic ring also plays role in destabilizing enzymes by forming hydrophobic bonds [69]. Ammoresinol, anthogenol, ostruthin, novobiocin, chartreusin and coumermycin are some of the coumarins which also show anti-bacterial activity against many Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria [99]. A study suggested that coumarins had potent activity against M. tuberculosis (H37Rv) by inhibiting GTPase activity and polymerization of Fts-Z. Other coumarins namely, Scopoletin (having IC 50

Curcumin
(IUPAC: 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-hep one/diferuloyl methane), (Figure 12) is a chromophore in rhizomes of the longa (turmeric). It is a polyphenolic compound, possessing a wide spectrum activities and is traditionally used in as a household remedy for curing vario spice and as a food preservative in South East Asian countries including presence of two ortho methoxylated phenols having conjugate linking with function makes it an appealing target for the drug industry. Rai and cowo the inhibitory action of curcumin to polymerize Fts-Z in B. subtilis wherein Zwas perturbed and GTPase activity was enhanced [107]. Roy and colleagues curcumin binding sites in E. coli Fts-Z and B. subtilis Fts-Z forming bonds in th pocket through the computational docking technique [108]. Some of the resea

Curcumin
Curcumin (IUPAC: 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione/ diferuloyl methane), (Figure 12) is a chromophore in rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa (turmeric). It is a polyphenolic compound, possessing a wide spectrum of biological activities and is traditionally used in as a household remedy for curing various diseases, as spice and as a food preservative in South East Asian countries including India [88]. The presence of two ortho methoxylated phenols having conjugate linking with beta-di-ketone function makes it an appealing target for the drug industry. Rai and coworkers, revealed the inhibitory action of curcumin to polymerize Fts-Z in B. subtilis wherein Z-ring formation was perturbed and GTPase activity was enhanced [107]. Roy and colleagues found putative curcumin binding sites in E. coli Fts-Z and B. subtilis Fts-Z forming bonds in the GTP binding pocket through the computational docking technique [108]. Some of the research groups are working on the nano-formulation of curcumin to increase its stability in in-vitro and in-vivo setups. The major drawback of curcumin is its poor aqueous solubility and bioavailability [92]. was perturbed and GTPase activity was enhanced [107]. Roy and c curcumin binding sites in E. coli Fts-Z and B. subtilis Fts-Z forming b pocket through the computational docking technique [108]. Some o working on the nano-formulation of curcumin to increase its stabil setups. The major drawback of curcumin is its poor aqueous solu [92].

Dichamanetin and Derivatives
Dichamanetin ( Figure 13A) is a natural polyphenolic comp from Uvariachamae and 2‴-hydroxy-5″-benxzylisouvarinol-B (Fi ural polyphenolic compound from Xylopia afticana found by two [109]. Dichamanetin and derivatives are structurally similar to Za bacterial activity against many Gram-positive microbes (S. aureus and E. coli) comparable to Zantrin. Urgaonkar and colleagues

Dichamanetin and Derivatives
Dichamanetin ( Figure 13A) is a natural polyphenolic compound obtained/isolated from Uvariachamae and 2 -hydroxy-5 -benxzylisouvarinol-B ( Figure 13B) is another natural polyphenolic compound from Xylopia afticana found by two independent researchers [109]. Dichamanetin and derivatives are structurally similar to Zantrins Z1, and have anti-bacterial activity against many Gram-positive microbes (S. aureus, B. subtilis, M. smegmatis and E. coli) comparable to Zantrin. Urgaonkar and colleagues examined the impact of dichamanetin on E. coli Fts-Z GTPase activity and found that the inhibition IC 50 values were 12.5 µM and 8.3 µM, respectively [109].

Phenylpropanoids
Phenylpropanoids are phytochemicals produced primarily due to st wounding, UV irradiation, pollutants, infections, and several other environ to protect them against pathogens and predators. This defensive character tributed to their free radical hunting and antioxidant properties [111]. Stud dicate the use of these phytochemicals for the production of anti-bacteria Hemaiswarya and coworkers studied the effect of 8 phenylpropanoids (chl caffeic acid, 2,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid, cinnamic acid and p-coumaric 15A-E), against E. coli Fts-Z through both in-silico and in-vitro techniques them chlorogenic acid which is an ester of quinic aid and caffeic acid was the highest IC50 value of 69.55 ± 3.6 µM, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, p-coum

Phenylpropanoids
Phenylpropanoids are phytochemicals produced primarily due to stress including wounding, UV irradiation, pollutants, infections, and several other environmental factors to protect them against pathogens and predators. This defensive characteristic can be attributed to their free radical hunting and antioxidant properties [111]. Studies clearly indicate the use of these phytochemicals for the production of anti-bacterial agents [111]. Hemaiswarya and coworkers studied the effect of 8 phenylpropanoids (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, 2,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid, cinnamic acid and p-coumaric acid) ( Figure 15A-E), against E. coli Fts-Z through both in-silico and in-vitro techniques [111]. Among them chlorogenic acid which is an ester of quinic aid and caffeic acid was found to have the highest IC 50 value of 69.55 ± 3.6 µM, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid followed with 105.96 ± 6.3 µM, 238.91 ± 7.1 µM, 189.53 ± 3.7 µM, respectively. 2,4,5-trimethoxy cinnamic acid, 3,4-dimethoxy cinnamic acid and eugenol were the least potent (IC 50 < 250 µM.). Light scattering experiments and circular dichroism studies supported the results. The in-silico studies indicated that the binding of phenylpropanoids happens not less than a residue in the T7 loop which is considered to be most important in the Fts-Z structure. Some other compounds which have inhibitory effects against Fts-Z were phenyl acrylamide [111,112], vanillin derivative 3a and 4u which have been tested against S. aureus, S. pyogenes and M. tuberculosis [112][113][114]

Plumbagin
Plumbagin (IUPAC: 5-hydroxy-2-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione), (Figure 16) is a phytochemical from the roots of the Plumbago zeylanica plant [90]. It is a secondary naphthoquinone derivative known to exhibit a variety of biological activities such as cell proliferation in mammals [115], fungus [116] and bacterial cells [117]. The antimicrobial properties do not affect E.coli, S. typhimurium [118]. Acharya and coworkers, through their ex-vivo experiment demonstrated the binding of plumbagin with cellular microtubules in the colchicine cavity, cell viability experiments gave the IC 50 value of 14.6 µm [119]. The structural similarity of Fts-Z with that of tubulin has caused many scientists to work on this and plumbagin was found to inhibit Fts-Z in B. subtilis 168 in a dose dependent manner. Further in-silico studies showed the possible binding site located at residues D199 and V307 [120].

Plumbagin
Plumbagin (IUPAC: 5-hydroxy-2-methylnaphthalene-1,4-dione), (Figure phytochemical from the roots of the Plumbago zeylanica plant [90]. It is a secondar thoquinone derivative known to exhibit a variety of biological activities such as liferation in mammals [115], fungus [116] and bacterial cells [117]. The antimicrobi erties do not affect E.coli, S. typhimurium [118]. Acharya and coworkers, through vivo experiment demonstrated the binding of plumbagin with cellular microtu the colchicine cavity, cell viability experiments gave the IC50 value of 14.6 µm [1 structural similarity of Fts-Z with that of tubulin has caused many scientists to w this and plumbagin was found to inhibit Fts-Z in B. subtilis 168 in a dose depende ner. Further in-silico studies showed the possible binding site located at residu and V307 [120].
2-oxoethyl)-1-oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[g]isochromen-6-yl]-9,10-dih oxo-3,4-dihydrobenzo[g]isochromen-3-yl]acetate), (Figure 18) a tained from fungus Aspergillus sp. (MF6890) was found to in polymerization by Wang and co-workers in 2003 [14]. The IC50 v activity were 7.0 µg mL −1 , for polymerization were 8.2 µg mL −1 a subtilis cells. Another group of researchers isolated this compoun lomyces variotii derived from jellyfish and found that viriditoxin polymers in SK-OV-3 cells and exhibited antimitotic and antimet   [123]. Another research on Dysosma versipellis showed that the 4'-demethylepipodophyllotoxin compound had GTPase activity for Fts-Z of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), a plant vascular pathogen with an EC 50 value of 38.7 mgL −1 yielding to filamentous cell growth as observed through transmission electron microscope and fluorescence microscopic imaging. The in-silico docking showed strong interactions at residues Asp 38, Arg 205 of Fts-Z protein of Xoo and the results were further strengthened with in-vivo bioassays which showed good curative and protective activities [124]. Another natural anthraquinone dye purpurin was also found to exhibit Fts-Z assembly perturbation in concentration dependent manner, by a group of researchers. In their in-vitro experiment the dissociation constant was 11 µM. It was found to bind near the nucleotide binding site and reduced GTP hydrolysis [125,126]. Naturally occurring indole alkaloids are yet another group of interest to target Fts-Z protein as studies indicate the presence of protein and enzyme inhibition potential in them. One such bis-indole containing alkaloid 34 from Chaetomium sp. SYP-F7950 of Panax notoginseng, an endophytic fungus showed anti-bacterial activity for S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. faecium and had MIC value of 0.12-3.6 µg mL −1 which was far better than vancomycin (MIC: 1.5-10 µg/mL) [127]. Another study targets Fts-Z protein through a cyanobacterial compound using in-silico and in-vitro methods and Alpha dimorphecolic acid was shown to have good anti-bacterial activity with a MIC of 512 µg mL −1 [128]. Some other synthetic molecules which have Fts-Z inhibition caliber are in Table 2.

Natural Compounds over Synthetic Drugs: A Comparison
Natural products (NPs) have been an inexhaustible source of therapeutic drugs since ancient times and numerous effective molecules have been synthesized to resemble the activity of natural compounds [139]. Almost all natural compounds have specialized biological functions for which they bind to receptors. These have pros and cons over the synthetic molecules. When compared to synthetic compound libraries, they typically have an increased molecular mass, more SP 3 carbon and oxygen atoms but fewer nitrogen and halogen atoms, more H-bond acceptors and donors, lower calculated octanol-water partition coefficients (cLogP values, indicating higher hydrophilicity), and lesser molecular flexibility. These distinctions can be beneficial; for example, the increased rigidity of NPs can be beneficial in drug development for protein-protein interactions [140,141]. The improved methods of extracting, screening and profiling have given researchers powerful tools in the hands of researchers to explore NPs in more advanced ways.
Antibiotics are being used to cure human, veterinary and plant diseases and increase the growth and life expectancy but research suggest the long term usage of antibiotics increases negative effects on the treated organisms [142]. There are more than 250 chemical substances registered to be used in different countries for humans and farm animals [143]. Antibiotics given to animals in food or water to increase their growth and to protect them from infections developing in them due to unhealthy living conditions. When they are not completely metabolized in the body, they are discharged by the process of adsorption/desorption into the environment as contaminants. They then enter the food chain via manure application or grazing animals and accumulate in edible plant parts [144]. Some of them also ingested through meat into the human body [145]. Certain studies show deleterious effects, delayed germination and post germinative development in plants due to antibiotics [131]. The presence of antibiotics in soil, groundwater, poultry meat and other plant and animal-based products and the side effects caused by antibiotics in environment are staggering which has caused the scientific community and agencies to reassess their use [146][147][148][149][150][151][152][153]. Thus, more efforts are being made to employ natural products for fighting pathogens.

Discussion
Fts-Z is an important cytoskeleton protein that is currently being explored and targeted by several natural and synthetic compounds in a number of pathogenic bacterial species. Many bacterial cytoskeletal proteins such as MreB, ParM, and MamK, Min C and Zap proteins similar to Fts-Z or with any new activities are also being investigated as potential antibiotic discovery candidates [154]. The key cell division proteins targets are highly conserved in most of the bacteria [65], however, there are a number of other proteins unique to each genus are very promising [155]. Hence, inhibiting these could be an alternative strategy for the discovery for characterization of novel antimicrobial drug targets.
Most antibiotics from the present generation primarily target either cell wall biosynthesis or protein/nucleic acid synthesis [156]. Exploring and analyzing comprehensive data on Fts-Z structure is also done in the recent years revealing its functional mechanisms [157]. Many successful studies has been conducted with natural inhibitors to target bacteria such as S. aureus, E. coli, B. subtilis, VRE, M. tuberculosis. Though, several studies have been conducted with both natural and synthetic inhibitors, in this review we have covered the significant studies on the natural inhibitor of Fts-Z performed in recent years Primarily, the natural compounds or their synthetic derivatives which exhibit a potential binding affinity with Fts-Z are being studied as a drug candidates [72][73][74][75]. Amongst the presently known inhibitors, viriditoxin showed a broad spectrum of activity by inhibiting GTPase and polymerizing Fts-Z [123]. Other compounds that have also been studied are sanguinarines [28,89], totarols [121,122], dichamanetins [107], 2 -hydroxy-5 -benzylisouvarinol-B [107], zantrins [129], curcumin [105], and cinnamaldehyde [94]. Some of the natural inhibitors show a strong activity through either GTPase inhibition or polymerizing activity.
Such activities were tested for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Some studies were performed using in-vitro techniques while others used in-silico and in-vivo experiment. After such extensive research on this target, compounds like TXA 709, a prodrug was studied in the phase I trials [59], thus increases the interest of scientists to find a drug to target this crucial protein necessary for divisome machinery. Additionally, it has recently been demonstrated that TXA707 acts synergistically with the third-generation cephalosporin cefdinir against several multidrug-resistant S. aureus [158]. Thus, medicinal chemists are working intensively on combinatorial therapies to increase the efficiency of drugs along with broadening the drug spectrum against tuberculosis, HIV and cancer and also to include Gram-negative microorganisms.
Another benzamide derivative PC190723 has selectively potent anti-staphylococcal activity (MIC < 2.81 µg mL −1 ) and has sown a seed for further trials in this direction. Further drugs are being worked on having similar structural scaffolding as of PC190723 [133].
In this regard, investigations on the combination of PC190723 prodrug (TXY436) with an efflux-pump inhibitor (i.e., PAβN) revealed that the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of PAβN confers TXY436 with activity against Gram-negative strains (namely, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii). It is envisaged that these impressive results, along with the previously reported Fts-Z inhibitors [128], will pave the way for the creation of a new class of anti-bacterial chemical entities that will inhibit bacterial cytokinesis and have substantial therapeutic utility.
The natural inhibitors of Fts-Z showing comparable inhibition activities need to be taken further for in-vivo and clinical trials as they would certainly be comparatively less toxic than the synthetic compounds/inhibitors.
Research suggests the viability of Fts-Z as promising anti-bacterial target [13,[49][50][51]. It was suggested that an early generation of resistance might occur in new drugs, as happens in other single-target inhibitors which although this can be prevented/avoided by tactical and amenable use of combination therapy. Another point of concern is that most Fts-Z inhibitors to date are broad-spectrum anti-bacterial which damage the host flora and fauna and thus should be put off if feasible [35,100]. In addition to this, these broad spectrum antibiotics aid the bacterial stress response, elevating the chance of bypassing the host's innate immune response [51][52][53]. There is also need to check if bacterial cells regain normal division pattern once the inhibitor is removed using the fragmentation of the filament technique [54].
Another important point of concern is that Fts-Z is homologous to tubulin, although without any homology in amino acid sequence yet there is a need for critical evaluation of its impact on the function of tubulin in hosts [55,56]. Some studies also showed that for successful inhibition of beta lactams, well-functioning cell division machinery mandatory [57]. We need to keep the above mentioned points and related works in mind while developing Fts-Z inhibitors for the clinical trials.

Conclusions
Targeting bacterial divisome protein Fts-Z is emerging as a promising strategy for the identification of new antibiotic compounds as well as to deal with AMR. Several studies reported that Fts-Z inhibitors could provide scaffolds and pharmacophores for the further development of novel anti-bacterial agents. In the pursuit of novel anti-bacterial compounds, targeting natural products are gaining significant attention as synthetic compounds are leading to development of several antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Natural compounds are always the safest substitute in terms of toxicity, environmental persistence and effects on non-target organisms. A few potential compounds discussed in this review are believed to be promising, however, how these inhibitors performed in the future research; will set the fine course for the anti-bacterial drug development using the natural compounds.