Abstract
beta-Lactamases are the principal mechanism of bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. In recent years the number and variety of new beta-lactamases detected has risen at an alarming rate, apparently in response to the clinical use of novel classes of beta-lactam antibiotics. This paper reviews the structure and evolution of beta-lactamases in an attempt to understand the pressures that have contributed to their emergence.
MeSH terms
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Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
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Bacteria / drug effects
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Bacteria / enzymology
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Bacteria / genetics
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Molecular Structure
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Structure-Activity Relationship
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beta-Lactam Resistance* / genetics
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beta-Lactam Resistance* / physiology
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beta-Lactamases* / chemistry
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beta-Lactamases* / classification
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beta-Lactamases* / physiology
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beta-Lactams
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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beta-Lactams
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beta-Lactamases