RESEARCH: Β-LACTMASES
FOLDING PROJECT #16454 PROFILE

This project looks at ancient enzymes called beta-lactamases that break down penicillin. By studying an old version of this enzyme, scientists hope to find hidden pockets that could be targeted by new drugs to fight antibiotic resistance.

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

This project studies the R241F 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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R241F

Amino acid substitution in Tem-1 beta-lactamase

R241F refers to a specific change in the amino acid sequence of the Tem-1 enzyme. This substitution is likely important for its function and could be studied to understand how this enzyme breaks down antibiotics.

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Tem-1 beta-lactamase

A type of enzyme that breaks down penicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Tem-1 beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by certain bacteria that allows them to resist the effects of penicillin and related antibiotics. These enzymes break down the antibiotic molecules, rendering them ineffective.

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beta-Lactamase

An enzyme that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics.

Beta-lactamases are enzymes produced by bacteria that confer resistance to penicillin and related antibiotics. They work by breaking the beta-lactam ring present in these antibiotics, thus neutralizing their antibacterial activity.

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Penicillin

A type of antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Penicillin is a common antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It works by interfering with the bacteria's ability to build their cell walls, eventually leading to their death.

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Gram Negative

A classification of bacteria based on their cell wall structure.

Gram-negative bacteria are a type of bacteria characterized by their thin cell walls and an outer membrane. This unique structure makes them more resistant to certain antibiotics compared to gram-positive bacteria.

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Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern. It occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat.