ATP-competitive DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibitors as antibacterial agents

Introduction: The bacterial topoisomerases DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV are validated targets for development of novel antibacterial agents. Fluoroquinolones inhibit the catalytic GyrA and/or ParC(GrlA) subunit and have been commonly used, although these have toxicity liabilities that restrict their use. The ATPase GyrB and ParE(GrlB) subunits have been much less explored and after withdrawal of novobiocin, there are no further marketed inhibitors . ATP-competitive inhibitors of GyrB and/or ParE(GrlB) are of special interest, as this target has been validated, and it is expected that many of the problems associated with fluoroquinolones can be avoided. Areas covered: This review summarises the development of ATP-competitive inhibitors of GyrB and/or ParE(GrlB) as novel antibacterial agents over the last 10 years. Structural features of the new inhibitors and their optimisation strategies are highlighted. Expert opinion: The development of novel ATP-competitive inhibitors of GyrB and/or ParE(GrlB) is ongoing in industrial and academical research. Development of resistance is one of the most problematic issues, but GyrB/ParE(GrlB) inhibitors do not show cross-resistance with fluoroquinolones. Other common issues, such as low solubility, high protein binding, development of off-target resistance, are related to the structures of the inhibitors themselves, which is thus a main focus of design strategies. With some now in early clinical development, there is reasonable expectation that novel ATP-competitive inhibitors of GyrB/ParE(GrlB) will reach the market in the near future.