High-resolution crystal structure reveals molecular details of target recognition by bacitracin.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
; 110(35): 14207-12, 2013 Aug 27.
Article
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| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23940351
ABSTRACT
Bacitracin is a metalloantibiotic agent that is widely used as a medicine and feed additive. It interferes with bacterial cell-wall biosynthesis by binding undecaprenyl-pyrophosphate, a lipid carrier that serves as a critical intermediate in cell wall production. Despite bacitracin's broad use, the molecular details of its target recognition have not been elucidated. Here we report a crystal structure for the ternary complex of bacitracin A, zinc, and a geranyl-pyrophosphate ligand at a resolution of 1.1 Å. The antibiotic forms a compact structure that completely envelopes the ligand's pyrophosphate group, together with flanking zinc and sodium ions. The complex adopts a highly amphipathic conformation that offers clues to antibiotic function in the context of bacterial membranes. Bacitracin's efficient sequestration of its target represents a previously unseen mode for the recognition of lipid pyrophosphates, and suggests new directions for the design of next-generation antimicrobial agents.
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Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Bacitracina
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Año:
2013
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos