Compounds from <i>Cyclocarya paliurus</i> leaves inhibit binary division of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> by disrupting FtsZ dynamic.

ABSTRACT: The escalating threat of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) necessitates novel therapeutic strategies. Our previous work suggested that an extract from Cyclocarya paliurus leaves (ECPL) inhibits MRSA by targeting the cell division protein FtsZ. Here, guided by anti-MRSA activity, we isolated three compounds from ECPL: asiatic acid (AA), maslinic acid (MA), and ursolic acid (UA). They exhibited antibacterial activity against MRSA and induced cell elongation, indicative of division arrest. Time-kill assays showed AA and MA are bactericides, while UA is bacteriostatic. Mechanistically, these compounds disrupt cell division by differentially affecting FtsZ dynamics: AA promotes polymerization, whereas MA and UA inhibit it. SPR analysis showed direct FtsZ binding t

SUBMITTER: Chen W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12213745 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature