RESEARCH: Β-LACTMASES
FOLDING PROJECT #16456 PROFILE

This project looks at a super old version of the Tem-1 enzyme, which helps bacteria break down penicillin. By comparing it to modern versions, scientists hope to find hidden parts 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 E240D 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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E240D

A mutant variant of Tem-1 beta-lactamase.

E240D is a specific mutation within the Tem-1 beta-lactamase enzyme. This mutation alters the structure and function of the enzyme, potentially impacting its ability to break down penicillin-like antibiotics.

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Tem-1

A type of beta-lactamase enzyme often found in bacteria.

Tem-1 is a common type of beta-lactamase enzyme produced by certain bacteria. These enzymes break down penicillin and other antibiotic drugs, contributing to bacterial resistance.

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Beta-Lactamase

An enzyme that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics.

Beta-lactamases are enzymes produced by bacteria. They have the ability to break down beta-lactam antibiotics, rendering these drugs ineffective in treating bacterial infections.

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Antibiotics

Medicinal drugs used to kill or inhibit bacterial growth.

Antibiotics are medications designed to combat bacterial infections. They work by either killing bacteria directly or preventing their growth and reproduction.

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Gram Negative

A classification of bacteria based on their cell wall structure.

Gram-negative bacteria are a category of microorganisms classified by their unique cell wall composition. This structural difference makes them more resistant to certain antibiotics.

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Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze (speed up) biochemical reactions.

Enzymes are specialized proteins essential for countless biological processes. They act as catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions within cells and organisms.