lactamases

If the rapid evolution of the class A extended-spectrum β-lactamases is typical, then we should indeed be concerned about the evolution of metallo-β-lactamases in response to the clinical use of imipenem and other carbapenems.

Behe's Test, Take 2 2008

Antibiotics such as penicillin are called, collectively, beta-lactams, and enzymes that break down these antibiotics and confer drug resistance are called beta-lactamases, which is why the term beta-lactamase may pop up in this blog entry from time to time.

Axe (2004) and the evolution of enzyme function - The Panda's Thumb 2007

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, secondary beta-lactamases with extended substrate specificity can be responsible for acquired resistance to the most powerful antipseudomonal beta-lactams, such as expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems.

Behe's Test 2008

This is pertinent for penicillinases, that are beta-lactamases.

Axe (2004) and the evolution of enzyme function - The Panda's Thumb 2007

Speaking of undersampling, it would have been good to look at the breakdown of common substrates of DD-peptidyl ligases and beta lactamases, such as m-[[phenylacetyl-glycyl]oxy]benzoic acid and see what the muations did to these activities.

Axe (2004) and the evolution of enzyme function - The Panda's Thumb 2007

We know of a number of other families of structures that include beta-lactamases Helfand and Bonomo, 2003.

Axe (2004) and the evolution of enzyme function - The Panda's Thumb 2007

It is entirely possible that other functional beta lactamases activities were conserved, or new ones generated.

Axe (2004) and the evolution of enzyme function - The Panda's Thumb 2007

A review of different types of known beta-lactamases.

Axe (2004) and the evolution of enzyme function - The Panda's Thumb 2007

Beta lactamases have kept these activities, despite structural changes which have resulted in losing DD-peptidyl ligase activity, if these activities are kept, then the enzyme is more robust than Axe contends but to be fair this is harder to monitor in the kinds of experiments Axe did.. gutbag

Axe (2004) and the evolution of enzyme function - The Panda's Thumb 2007

The simple answer is there is another Staphylococcal bacterium on the skin of the hedgehog, that produces the kind of extracellular (Important bit!) enzymes involved in resistance to antibiotics like methicillin (Beta-lactamases).

The DI Spins Academic Freedom - The Panda's Thumb 2005