Publication Date
4-2020
First Advisor
Bradley Wallar
Abstract
The rise of antibiotic resistance is a global health threat requiring development of novel treatments. β-lactamase enzymes found in many multi-drug resistant bacteria contribute to resistance of β-lactam antibiotics. The enzyme cleaves the β-lactam ring, preventing the drug from reaching its cellular target. A class of β-lactamases, Acinetobacter-derived cephalosporinases (ADCs) are found in the multi-drug resistant bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii. Specific ADCs were selected from a group of antibiotic-resistant infections. With no known structures of these newly identified ADCs, it is key to discern how minor differences in sequences between ADCs contribute to drug resistance. In this project, structural and kinetics characterization of ADCs will aim to develop a relationship on how small structural variations can affect the enzyme’s ability to bind and destroy antibiotics. The results will help identify potential inhibitors against enzymes that contribute to antibiotic resistance.
ScholarWorks Citation
Ruiz, Violet, "Structural and Functional Characterization of New Clinically Relevant Enzymes Involved in Antibiotic Resistance" (2020). Student Scholars Day Posters. 49.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ssd_posters/49
