RESEARCH: Β-LACTMASES
FOLDING PROJECT #16459 PROFILE

This project studies an ancient type of enzyme called beta-lactamase which breaks down penicillin-like antibiotics. By comparing it to modern versions, scientists hope to find 'pockets' in the enzyme that could be targeted by new drugs to fight antibiotic resistance.

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.

R241F mutant

A genetically modified version of the Tem-1 beta-lactamase enzyme with a specific amino acid change (R241F).

The R241F mutant is a laboratory-created version of the Tem-1 beta-lactamase enzyme. Scientists made a specific change to its genetic code, replacing an arginine (R) with a phenylalanine (F) at position 241. This mutation alters the enzyme's structure and function, making it more resistant to certain antibiotics.

Tem-1 beta-lactamase

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

Tem-1 beta-lactamase is a bacterial enzyme that destroys penicillin and related antibiotics. Bacteria produce this enzyme to resist the effects of these medications. This enzyme works by breaking down the beta-lactam ring, which is essential for the antibiotic's effectiveness.

beta-Lactamases

Enzymes produced by bacteria that hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring of penicillin and other antibiotics.

Beta-lactamases are enzymes made by bacteria to fight off penicillin and similar antibiotics. These enzymes break down the crucial beta-lactam ring in these medications, rendering them ineffective. The widespread presence of beta-lactamases is a major challenge in treating bacterial infections.

Antibiotics

Medicinal substances that inhibit the growth or kill bacteria.

Antibiotics are drugs specifically designed to fight bacterial infections. They work by interfering with various essential processes in bacteria, such as cell wall formation or protein synthesis. However, overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant public health threat.

Gram Negative

A classification of bacteria based on their cell wall structure, which does not retain the crystal violet dye during a staining procedure.

Gram-negative bacteria are classified by their unique cell wall structure. During a specific staining process called Gram staining, these bacteria do not retain the purple crystal violet dye and appear pink or red instead. This difference in staining reflects variations in their cell wall composition.