RESEARCH: Β-LACTMASES
FOLDING PROJECT #16458 PROFILE

This project looks at old versions of beta-lactamases (enzymes that break down penicillin). By comparing them to modern ones, scientists hope to find hidden parts that could be targeted by new drugs to fight antibiotic resistance.

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.

R241P mutant

A variant of the Tem-1 beta-lactamase enzyme with a specific amino acid change (R241P).

The R241P mutant is a modified version of the Tem-1 beta-lactamase enzyme. This enzyme plays a role in antibiotic resistance by breaking down penicillin-like antibiotics. Researchers are studying this mutant to understand how changes in its structure affect its function and potentially develop new drugs to combat antibiotic resistance.

beta-Lactamase

An enzyme that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics.

Beta-lactamases are enzymes produced by bacteria that can break down beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin. This mechanism of action renders the antibiotics ineffective, leading to antibiotic resistance. Understanding beta-lactamase function is crucial for developing new antibiotics and strategies to combat resistant infections.

Penicillin

A type of antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Penicillin is a widely used antibiotic that works by interfering with the construction of bacterial cell walls. This weakens the bacteria, leading to their death. However, some bacteria have evolved resistance mechanisms, such as producing beta-lactamases, which can break down penicillin and render it ineffective.

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 harder to treat. Factors contributing to antibiotic resistance include overuse and misuse of antibiotics, as well as poor infection control practices.

Gram Negative

A type of bacteria with a thin peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall.

Gram-negative bacteria are classified based on their cell wall structure. Their thin peptidoglycan layer allows them to be stained pink during the Gram staining procedure. This classification helps scientists understand bacterial characteristics and choose appropriate antibiotics for treatment.