RESEARCH: Β-LACTMASES
FOLDING PROJECT #16453 PROFILE

This project studies ancient enzymes (beta-lactamases) that break down penicillin. By comparing these old enzymes to modern ones, scientists hope to find hidden pockets they could use to design new drugs that fight antibiotic resistance.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

This project studies the R241P mutant of Tem-1 β-Lactmase β-Lactmases are enzymes which break down penicillin-like antibiotics.

This is the most common method by which bacteria become resistant to such antibiotics.

This project is simulating the most probable common ancestor (dating back to around 2 billion years ago) of modern day Gram Negative beta-lactamases.

We hope to understand the funtional significance of various cryptic pockets found in these enzymes by comparing these results to simulations of modern beta-lactamases.

Finding such functional pockets could enable us to target these enzymes with drugs that might combat this form of antibiotic resistance.

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R241P

Point mutation in Tem-1 beta-lactamase

R241P is a specific genetic change (mutation) within the Tem-1 beta-lactamase enzyme. This mutation alters the structure and function of the enzyme, potentially increasing its resistance to certain antibiotics.

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Tem-1

A type of beta-lactamase enzyme.

Tem-1 is a common type of enzyme produced by bacteria that breaks down penicillin and related antibiotics. This enzyme contributes to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

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beta-Lactamase

An enzyme that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics.

Beta-lactamases are enzymes produced by bacteria that can break down the chemical structure of penicillin and related antibiotics. This process makes the antibiotics ineffective.

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Penicillin

A type of antibiotic.

Penicillin is a group of antibiotics derived from fungi. They work by interfering with the ability of bacteria to build their cell walls, ultimately killing them.

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Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to survive exposure to antibiotics. This poses a serious threat to public health as infections become harder to treat.

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Gram Negative

A classification of bacteria based on cell wall structure.

Gram-negative bacteria are classified by their unique cell wall structure, which contains a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane. This structure makes them resistant to certain antibiotics.

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Enzyme

A type of protein that catalyzes (speeds up) chemical reactions.

Enzymes are essential biological molecules that act as catalysts, facilitating and accelerating biochemical reactions within living organisms. They play crucial roles in various processes, including metabolism, digestion, and DNA replication.