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Review
. 2017 Jan 3;7(1):a025239.
doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a025239.

β-Lactamases: A Focus on Current Challenges

Robert A Bonomo  1   2
Affiliations
Review

β-Lactamases: A Focus on Current Challenges

Robert A Bonomo. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. .

Abstract

β-Lactamases, the enzymes that hydrolyze β-lactam antibiotics, remain the greatest threat to the usage of these agents. In this review, the mechanism of hydrolysis is discussed for both those enzymes that use serine at the active site and those that require divalent zinc ions for hydrolysis. The β-lactamases now include >2000 unique, naturally occurring amino acid sequences. Some of the clinically most important of these are the class A penicillinases, the extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), the AmpC cephalosporinases, and the carbapenem-hydrolyzing enzymes in both the serine and metalloenzyme groups. Because of the versatility of these enzymes to evolve as new β-lactams are used therapeutically, new approaches to antimicrobial therapy may be required.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The structural similarity of class A, C, and D serine β-lactamases.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
The active site of a metallo-β-lactamase.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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