Insights into class D beta-lactamases are revealed by the crystal structure of the OXA10 enzyme from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Crystal structure of the narrow-spectrum OXA-46 class D beta-lactamase: relationship between active-site lysine carbamylation and inhibition by polycarboxylates

Class D beta-lactamases represent a heterogeneous group of active-site serine beta-lactamases that show an extraordinary panel of functional features and substrate profiles, thus representing relevant models for biochemical and structural studies. OXA-46 is a narrow-spectrum enzyme belonging to the OXA-2 subgroup which was found in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate from northern Italy. In this work, we obtained the three-dimensional structure of OXA-46, which shows the overall fold of active serine beta-lactamases and a dimeric quaternary structure. Significant differences with currently available structures of class D beta-lactamases were found in the loops located close to the active site, which differ in length and conformation. Interestingly, the three subunits present in the asymmetric unit showed some structural heterogeneity, only one of which presented a carbamylated lysine recognized as an important functional feature of class D enzymes. The carbamylation state of residue Lys75 appeared to be associated with different shapes and dimensions of the active site. Moreover, a tartrate molecule from the crystallization buffer was found in the active site of the noncarbamylated subunits, which interacts with catalytically relevant residues. The OXA-46 crystal asymmetric units thus interestingly present the structures of the free carbamylated active site and of the ligand-bound uncarbamylated active site, offering the structural basis for investigating the potential of new scaffolds of beta-lactamase inhibitors.

Penicillin sulfone inhibitors of class D beta-lactamases

OXA beta-lactamases are largely responsible for beta-lactam resistance in Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two of the most difficult-to-treat nosocomial pathogens. In general, the beta-lactamase inhibitors used in clinical practice (clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam) demonstrate poor activity against class D beta-lactamases. To overcome this challenge, we explored the abilities of beta-lactamase inhibitors of the C-2- and C-3-substituted penicillin and cephalosporin sulfone families against OXA-1, extended-spectrum (OXA-10, OXA-14, and OXA-17), and carbapenemase-type (OXA-24/40) class D beta-lactamases. Three C-2-substituted penicillin sulfone compounds (JDB/LN-1-255, JDB/LN-III-26, and JDB/ASR-II-292) showed low K(i) values for the OXA-1 beta-lactamase (0.70 +/- 0.14 --> 1.60 +/- 0.30 microM) and demonstrated significant K(i) improvements compared to the C-3-substituted cephalosporin sulfone (JDB/DVR-II-214), tazobactam, and clavulanic acid. The C-2-substituted penicillin sulfones JDB/ASR-II-292 and JDB/LN-1-255 also demonstrated low K(i)s for the OXA-10, -14, -17, and -24/40 beta-lactamases (0.20 +/- 0.04 --> 17 +/- 4 microM). Furthermore, JDB/LN-1-255 displayed stoichiometric inactivation of OXA-1 (the turnover number, i.e., the partitioning of the initial enzyme inhibitor complex between hydrolysis and enzyme inactivation [t(n)] = 0) and t(n)s ranging from 5 to 8 for the other OXA enzymes. Using mass spectroscopy to study the intermediates in the inactivation pathway, we determined that JDB/LN-1-255 inhibited OXA beta-lactamases by forming covalent adducts that do not fragment. On the basis of the substrate and inhibitor kinetics of OXA-1, we constructed a model showing that the C-3 carboxylate of JDB/LN-1-255 interacts with Ser115 and Thr213, the R-2 group at C-2 fits between the space created by the long B9 and B10 beta strands, and stabilizing hydrophobic interactions are formed between the pyridyl ring of JDB/LN-1-255 and Val116 and Leu161. By exploiting conserved structural and mechanistic features, JDB/LN-1-255 is a promising lead compound in the quest for effective inhibitors of OXA-type beta-lactamases.

Three decades of the class A beta-lactamase acyl-enzyme

The discovery that the mechanism of beta-lactam hydrolysis catalyzed by the class A (active site serine-dependent) beta-lactamases proceeds via an acyl-enzyme intermediate was made thirty years ago. Since this discovery, the active site circumstance that enables acylation of the active site serine and further enables hydrolytic deacylation of the acyl-serine intermediate, has received extraordinary scrutiny. The justification for this scrutiny is the direct relevance of the beta-lactamases to the manifestation of bacterial resistance to the beta-lactam antibiotics, and the subsequent (to the discovery of the beta-lactamase acyl-enzyme) recognition of the direct evolutionary relationship between the serine beta-lactamase acyl-enzyme, and the penicillin binding protein acyl-enzyme that is key to beta-lactam antibiotic activity. This short review describes the early events leading to the recognition that serine beta-lactamase catalysis proceeds via an acyl-enzyme intermediate, and summarizes several of the key mechanistic studies--including infrared spectroscopy, cryoenzymology, beta-lactam design, and x-ray crystallography--that have been exploited to understand this pivotal catalytic intermediate.

Three decades of beta-lactamase inhibitors

Since the introduction of penicillin, beta-lactam antibiotics have been the antimicrobial agents of choice. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these life-saving antibiotics is significantly threatened by bacterial beta-lactamases. beta-Lactamases are now responsible for resistance to penicillins, extended-spectrum cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems. In order to overcome beta-lactamase-mediated resistance, beta-lactamase inhibitors (clavulanate, sulbactam, and tazobactam) were introduced into clinical practice. These inhibitors greatly enhance the efficacy of their partner beta-lactams (amoxicillin, ampicillin, piperacillin, and ticarcillin) in the treatment of serious Enterobacteriaceae and penicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections. However, selective pressure from excess antibiotic use accelerated the emergence of resistance to beta-lactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Furthermore, the prevalence of clinically relevant beta-lactamases from other classes that are resistant to inhibition is rapidly increasing. There is an urgent need for effective inhibitors that can restore the activity of beta-lactams. Here, we review the catalytic mechanisms of each beta-lactamase class. We then discuss approaches for circumventing beta-lactamase-mediated resistance, including properties and characteristics of mechanism-based inactivators. We next highlight the mechanisms of action and salient clinical and microbiological features of beta-lactamase inhibitors. We also emphasize their therapeutic applications. We close by focusing on novel compounds and the chemical features of these agents that may contribute to a "second generation" of inhibitors. The goal for the next 3 decades will be to design inhibitors that will be effective for more than a single class of beta-lactamases.

Critical role of tryptophan 154 for the activity and stability of class D beta-lactamases

The catalytic efficiency of the class D beta-lactamase OXA-10 depends critically on an unusual carboxylated lysine as the general base residue for both the enzyme acylation and deacylation steps of catalysis. Evidence is presented that the interaction between the indole group of Trp154 and the carboxylated lysine is essential for the stability of the posttranslationally modified Lys70. Substitution of Trp154 by Gly, Ala, or Phe yielded noncarboxylated enzymes which displayed poor catalytic efficiencies and reduced stability when compared to the wild-type OXA-10. The W154H mutant was partially carboxylated. In addition, the maximum values of k(cat) and k(cat)/K(M) were shifted toward pH 7, indicating that the carboxylation state of Lys70 is dependent on the protonation level of the histidine. A comparison of the three-dimensional structures of the different proteins also indicated that the Trp154 mutations did not modify the overall structures of OXA-10 but induced an increased flexibility of the Omega-loop in the active site. Finally, the deacylation-impaired W154A mutant was used to determine the structure of the acyl-enzyme complex with benzylpenicillin. These results indicate a role of the Lys70 carboxylation during the deacylation step and emphasize the importance of Trp154 for the ideal positioning of active site residues leading to an optimum activity.

Biosynthesis of the proteasome inhibitor syringolin A: the ureido group joining two amino acids originates from bicarbonate

BACKGROUND

Syringolin A, an important virulence factor in the interaction of the phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae B728a with its host plant Phaseolus vulgaris (bean), was recently shown to irreversibly inhibit eukaryotic proteasomes by a novel mechanism. Syringolin A is synthesized by a mixed non-ribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthetase and consists of a tripeptide part including a twelve-membered ring with an N-terminal valine that is joined to a second valine via a very unusual ureido group. Analysis of sequence and architecture of the syringolin A synthetase gene cluster with the five open reading frames sylA-sylE allowed to formulate a biosynthesis model that explained all structural features of the tripeptide part of syringolin A but left the biosynthesis of the unusual ureido group unaccounted for.

RESULTS

We have cloned a 22 kb genomic fragment containing the sylA-sylE gene cluster but no other complete gene into the broad host range cosmid pLAFR3. Transfer of the recombinant cosmid into Pseudomonas putida and P. syringae pv. syringae SM was sufficient to direct the biosynthesis of bona fide syringolin A in these heterologous organisms whose genomes do not contain homologous genes. NMR analysis of syringolin A isolated from cultures grown in the presence of NaH(13)CO(3) revealed preferential (13)C-labeling at the ureido carbonyl position.

CONCLUSION

The results show that no additional syringolin A-specific genes were needed for the biosynthesis of the enigmatic ureido group joining two amino acids. They reveal the source of the ureido carbonyl group to be bicarbonate/carbon dioxide, which we hypothesize is incorporated by carbamylation of valine mediated by the sylC gene product(s). A similar mechanism may also play a role in the biosynthesis of other ureido-group-containing NRPS products known largely from cyanobacteria.

Crystal structure of the OXA-48 beta-lactamase reveals mechanistic diversity among class D carbapenemases

Carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D beta-lactamases (CHDLs) are enzymes found in important Gram-negative pathogens (mainly Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacteriaceae) that confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, and notably carbapenems. The crystal structure of the OXA-48 carbapenemase was determined at pH 7.5 and at a resolution of 1.9 A. Surprisingly, and by contrast with OXA-24, the only other CHDL of known crystal structure, the structure of OXA-48 was similar to OXA-10, an enzyme devoid of carbapenemase activity, indicating that the hydrolysis of these compounds could depend on subtle changes in the active site region. Moreover, the active site groove of OXA-48 was different from that of OXA-24 in shape, dimensions, and charge distribution. Molecular dynamics pointed to the functional relevance of residues located in or close to the beta5-beta6 loop and allowed us to propose a mechanism for carbapenem hydrolysis by OXA-48.

Mutation of the active site carboxy-lysine (K70) of OXA-1 beta-lactamase results in a deacylation-deficient enzyme

Class D beta-lactamases hydrolyze beta-lactam antibiotics by using an active site serine nucleophile to form a covalent acyl-enzyme intermediate and subsequently employ water to deacylate the beta-lactam and release product. Class D beta-lactamases are carboxylated on the epsilon-amino group of an active site lysine, with the resulting carbamate functional group serving as a general base. We discovered that substitutions of the active site serine and lysine in OXA-1 beta-lactamase, a monomeric class D enzyme, significantly disrupt catalytic turnover. Substitution of glycine for the nucleophilic serine (S67G) results in an enzyme that can still bind substrate but is unable to form a covalent acyl-enzyme intermediate. Substitution of the carboxylated lysine (K70), on the other hand, results in enzyme that can be acylated by substrate but is impaired with respect to deacylation. We employed the fluorescent penicillin BOCILLIN FL to show that three different substitutions for K70 (alanine, aspartate, and glutamate) lead to the accumulation of significant acyl-enzyme intermediate. Interestingly, BOCILLIN FL deacylation rates (t(1/2)) vary depending on the identity of the substituting residue, from approximately 60 min for K70A to undetectable deacylation for K70D. Tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy was used to confirm that these results are applicable to natural (i.e., nonfluorescent) substrates. Deacylation by K70A, but not K70D or K70E, can be partially restored by the addition of short-chain carboxylic acid mimetics of the lysine carbamate. In conclusion, we establish the functional role of the carboxylated lysine in OXA-1 and highlight its specific role in acylation and deacylation.

Regiospecific syntheses of 6alpha-(1R-Hydroxyoctyl)penicillanic acid and 6beta-(1R-hydroxyoctyl)penicillanic acid as mechanistic probes of class D beta-lactamases

The unique hydrophobic surface patches in class D beta-lactamases presented an opportunity for designing two compounds, 6alpha-(1R-hydroxyoctyl)penicillanic acid and 6beta-(1R-hydroxyoctyl)penicillanic acid, as mechanistic probes of these enzymes. In a sequence of three synthetic steps from benzhydryl 6,6-dibromopenicillanate, the targeted compounds were prepared in a stereospecific manner.

Understanding the functional roles of amino acid residues in enzyme catalysis

The MACiE database contains 223 distinct step-wise enzyme reaction mechanisms and holds representatives from each EC sub-subclass where there is a crystal structure and sufficient evidence in the literature to support a mechanism. Each catalytic step of every reaction sequence in MACiE is fully annotated so that it includes the function of the catalytic residues involved in the reaction and the mechanism by which substrates are transformed into products. Using MACiE as a knowledge base, we have seen that the top 10 most catalytic residues are histidine, aspartate, glutamate, lysine, cysteine, arginine, serine, threonine, tyrosine and tryptophan. Of these only seven (cysteine, histidine, aspartate, lysine, serine, threonine and tyrosine) dominate catalysis and provide essentially five functional roles that are essential. Stabilisation is the most common and essential role for all classes of enzyme, followed by general acid/base (proton acceptor and proton donor) functionality, with nucleophilic addition following closely behind (nucleophile and nucleofuge). We investigated the occurrence of these residues in MACiE and the Catalytic Site Atlas and found that, as expected, certain residue types are associated with each functional role, with some residue types able to perform diverse roles. In addition, it was seen that different EC classes of enzyme have a tendency to employ different residues for catalysis. Further, we show that whilst the differences between EC classes in catalytic residue composition are not immediately obvious from the general classes of Ingold mechanisms, there is some weak correlation between the mechanisms involved in a given EC class and the functions that the catalytic amino acid residues are performing. The analysis presented here provides a valuable insight into the functional roles of catalytic amino acid residues, which may have applications in many aspects of enzymology, from the design of novel enzymes to the prediction and validation of enzyme reaction mechanisms.

Inhibition of OXA-1 beta-lactamase by penems

The partnering of a beta-lactam with a beta-lactamase inhibitor is a highly effective strategy that can be used to combat bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics mediated by serine beta-lactamases (EC 3.2.5.6). To this end, we tested two novel penem inhibitors against OXA-1, a class D beta-lactamase that is resistant to inactivation by tazobactam. The K(i) of each penem inhibitor for OXA-1 was in the nM range (K(i) of penem 1, 45 +/- 8 nM; K(i) of penem 2, 12 +/- 2 nM). The first-order rate constant for enzyme and inhibitor complex inactivation of penems 1 and 2 for OXA-1 beta-lactamase were 0.13 +/- 0.01 s(-1) and 0.11 +/- 0.01 s(-1), respectively. By using an inhibitor-to-enzyme ratio of 1:1, 100% inactivation was achieved in <or=900 s and the recovery of OXA-1 beta-lactamase activity was not detected at 24 h. Covalent adducts of penems 1 and 2 (changes in molecular masses, +306 +/- 3 and +321 +/- 3 Da, respectively) were identified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). After tryptic digestion of OXA-1 inactivated by penems 1 and 2, ESI-MS and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight MS identified the adducts of 306 +/- 3 and 321 +/- 3 Da attached to the peptide containing the active-site Ser67. The base hydrolysis of penem 2, monitored by serial (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, suggested that penem 2 formed a linear imine species that underwent 7-endo-trig cyclization to ultimately form a cyclic enamine, the 1,4-thiazepine derivative. Susceptibility testing demonstrated that the penem inhibitors at 4 mg/liter effectively restored susceptibility to piperacillin. Penem beta-lactamase inhibitors which demonstrate high affinities and which form long-lived acyl intermediates may prove to be extremely useful against the broad range of inhibitor-resistant serine beta-lactamases present in gram-negative bacteria.

The role of OXA-1 beta-lactamase Asp(66) in the stabilization of the active-site carbamate group and in substrate turnover

The OXA-1 beta-lactamase is one of the few class D enzymes that has an aspartate residue at position 66, a position that is proximal to the active-site residue Ser(67). In class A beta-lactamases, such as TEM-1 and SHV-1, residues adjacent to the active-site serine residue play a crucial role in inhibitor resistance and substrate selectivity. To probe the role of Asp(66) in substrate affinity and catalysis, we performed site-saturation mutagenesis at this position. Ampicillin MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) values for the full set of Asp(66) mutants expressed in Escherichia coli DH10B ranged from < or =8 microg/ml for cysteine, proline and the basic amino acids to > or =256 microg/ml for asparagine, leucine and the wild-type aspartate. Replacement of aspartic acid by asparagine at position 66 also led to a moderate enhancement of extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance. OXA-1 shares with other class D enzymes a carboxylated residue, Lys(70), that acts as a general base in the catalytic mechanism. The addition of 25 mM bicarbonate to Luria-Bertani-broth agar resulted in a > or =16-fold increase in MICs for most OXA-1 variants with amino acid replacements at position 66 when expressed in E. coli. Because Asp(66) forms hydrogen bonds with several other residues in the OXA-1 active site, we propose that this residue plays a role in stabilizing the CO2 bound to Lys(70) and thereby profoundly affects substrate turnover.

Characterization of a naturally occurring class D beta-lactamase from Achromobacter xylosoxidans

A chromosomally encoded class D beta-lactamase, OXA-114, was characterized from Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain CIP69598. beta-Lactamase OXA-114 shared 56% amino acid identity with the naturally occurring class D beta-lactamase of Burkholderia cenocepacia and 42% identity with the acquired oxacillinases OXA-9 and OXA-18. OXA-114 has a narrow-spectrum hydrolysis profile, although it includes imipenem, at a very low level. PCR and sequencing revealed that bla(OXA-114)-like genes were identified in all A. xylosoxidans strains tested (n = 5), indicating that this beta-lactamase is naturally occurring in that species. Induction experiments with imipenem and cefoxitin did not show inducibility of bla(OXA-114) expression.

Why clinically used tazobactam and sulbactam are poor inhibitors of OXA-10 beta-lactamase: Raman crystallographic evidence

The clinically used inhibitors tazobactam and sulbactam are effective in the inhibition of activity of class A beta-lactamases, but not for class D beta-lactamases. The two inhibitors exhibit a complex multistep profile for their chemistry of inhibition with class A beta-lactamases. To compare the inhibition profiles for class A and D enzymes, the reactions were investigated within OXA-10 beta-lactamase (a class D enzyme) crystals using a Raman microscope. The favored reaction pathway appears to be distinctly different from that for class A beta-lactamases. In contrast to the case of class A enzymes that favor the formation of a key enamine species, the OXA-10 enzyme forms an alpha,beta-unsaturated acrylate (acid or ester). Quantum mechanical calculations support the likely product as the adduct of Ser115 to the acrylate. Few enamine-like species are formed by sulbactam or tazobactam with this enzyme. Taken together, our results show that the facile conversion of the initial imine, formed upon acylation of the active site Ser67, to the cis- and/or trans-enamine is disfavored. Instead, there is a significant population of the imine that could either experience cross-linking to a second nucleophile (e.g., Ser115) or give rise to the alpha,beta-unsaturated product and permanent inhibition. Alternatively, the imine can undergo hydrolysis to regenerate the catalytically active OXA-10 enzyme. This last process is the dominant one for class D beta-lactamases since the enzyme is not effectively inhibited. In contrast to sulbactam and tazobactam, the reactions between oxacillin or 6alpha-hydroxyisopropylpenicillinate (both substrates) and OXA-10 beta-lactamase appear much less complex. These compounds lead to a single acyl-enzyme species, the presence of which was confirmed by Raman and MALDI-TOF experiments.

Crystal structure of the carbapenemase OXA-24 reveals insights into the mechanism of carbapenem hydrolysis

Combating bacterial resistance to beta-lactams, the most widely used antibiotics, is an emergent and clinically important challenge. OXA-24 is a class D beta-lactamase isolated from a multiresistant epidemic clinical strain of Acinetobacter baumannii. We have investigated how OXA-24 specifically hydrolyzes the last resort carbapenem antibiotic, and we have determined the crystal structure of OXA-24 at a resolution of 2.5 A. The structure shows that the carbapenem's substrate specificity is determined by a hydrophobic barrier that is established through the specific arrangement of the Tyr-112 and Met-223 side chains, which define a tunnel-like entrance to the active site. The importance of these residues was further confirmed by mutagenesis studies. Biochemical and microbiological analyses of specific point mutants selected on the basis of structural criteria significantly reduced the catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(m)) against carbapenems, whereas the specificity for oxacillin was noticeably increased. This is the previously unrecognized crystal structure that has been obtained for a class D carbapenemase enzyme. Accordingly, this information may help to improve the development of effective new drugs to combat beta-lactam resistance. More specifically, it may help to overcome carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii, probably one of the most worrying infectious threats in hospitals worldwide.

Crystal structure of a major fragment of the salt-tolerant glutaminase from Micrococcus luteus K-3

Glutaminase of Micrococcus luteus K-3 (intact glutaminase; 48kDa) is digested to a C-terminally truncated fragment (glutaminase fragment; 42kDa) that shows higher salt tolerance than that of the intact glutaminase. The crystal structure of the glutaminase fragment was determined at 2.4A resolution using multiple-wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD). The glutaminase fragment is composed of N-terminal and C-terminal domains, and a putative catalytic serine-lysine dyad (S64 and K67) is located in a cleft of the N-terminal domain. Mutations of the S64 or K67 residues abolished the enzyme activity. The N-terminal domain has abundant glutamic acid residues on its surface, which may explain its salt-tolerant mechanism. A diffraction analysis of the intact glutaminase crystals (a twinning fraction of 0.43) located the glutaminase fragment in the unit cell but failed to turn up clear densities for the missing C-terminal portion of the molecule.

Unbound and acylated structures of the MecR1 extracellular antibiotic-sensor domain provide insights into the signal-transduction system that triggers methicillin resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are responsible for most hospital-onset bacterial infections. Lately, they have become a major threat to the community through infections of skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract, and subsequent septicaemia or septic shock. MRSA strains are resistant to most beta-lactam antibiotics (BLAs) as a result of the biosynthesis of a penicillin-binding protein with low affinity for BLAs, called PBP2a, PBP2' or MecA. This response is regulated by the chromosomal mec-divergon, which encodes a signal-transduction system including a transcriptional repressor, MecI, and a sensor/transducer, MecR1, as well as the structural mecA gene. This system is similar to those encoded by bla divergons in S. aureus and Bacillus licheniformis. MecR1 comprises an integral-membrane latent metalloprotease domain facing the cytosol and an extracellular sensor domain. The latter binds BLAs and transmits a signal through the membrane that eventually triggers activation of the metalloprotease moiety, which in turn switches off MecI-induced repression of mecA transcription. The MecR1 sensor domain, MecR1-PBD, reveals a two-domain structure of alpha/beta-type fold reminiscent of penicillin-binding proteins and beta-lactamases, and a catalytic serine residue as the ultimate cause for BLA-binding. Covalent complexes with benzylpenicillin and oxacillin provide evidence that serine acylation does not entail significant structural changes, thus supporting the hypothesis that additional extracellular segments of MecR1 are involved in signal transmission. The chemical nature of the residues shaping the active-site cleft favours stabilisation of the acyl enzyme complexes in MecR1-PBD, in contrast to the closely related OXA beta-lactamases, where the cleft is more likely to promote subsequent hydrolysis. The present structural data provide insights into the mec-encoded BLA-response mechanism and an explanation for kinetic differences in signal transmission with the related bla-encoded systems.

Different transition-state structures for the reactions of beta-lactams and analogous beta-sultams with serine beta-lactamases

Beta-sultams are the sulfonyl analogues of beta-lactams, and N-acyl beta-sultams are novel inactivators of the class C beta-lactamase of Enterobacter cloacae P99. They sulfonylate the active site serine residue to form a sulfonate ester which subsequently undergoes C-O bond fission and formation of a dehydroalanine residue by elimination of the sulfonate anion as shown by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. The analogous N-acyl beta-lactams are substrates for beta-lactamase and undergo enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis presumably by the normal acylation-deacylation process. The rates of acylation of the enzyme by the beta-lactams, measured by the second-order rate constant for hydrolysis, kcat/K(m), and those of sulfonylation by the beta-sultams, measured by the second-order rate constant for inactivation, k(i), both show a similar pH dependence to that exhibited by the beta-lactamase-catalyzed hydrolysis of beta-lactam antibiotics. Electron-withdrawing groups in the aryl residue of the leaving group of N-aroyl beta-lactams increase the rate of alkaline hydrolysis and give a Bronsted beta(lg) of -0.55, indicative of a late transition state for rate-limiting formation of the tetrahedral intermediate. Interestingly, the corresponding Bronsted beta(lg) for the beta-lactamase-catalyzed hydrolysis of the same substrates is -0.06, indicative of an earlier transition state for the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. By contrast, although the Bronsted beta(lg) for the alkaline hydrolysis of N-aroyl beta-sultams is -0.73, similar to that for the beta-lactams, that for the sulfonylation of beta-lactamase by these compounds is -1.46, compatible with significant amide anion expulsion/S-N fission in the transition state. In this case, the enzyme reaction displays a later transition state compared with hydroxide-ion-catalyzed hydrolysis of the beta-sultam.

Inhibition of class D beta-lactamases by diaroyl phosphates

The production of beta-lactamases is an important component of bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. These enzymes catalyze the hydrolytic destruction of beta-lactams. The class D serine beta-lactamases have, in recent years, been expanding in sequence space and substrate spectrum under the challenge of currently dispensed beta-lactams. Further, the beta-lactamase inhibitors now employed in medicine are not generally effective against class D enzymes. In this paper, we show that diaroyl phosphates are very effective inhibitory substrates of these enzymes. Reaction of the OXA-1 beta-lactamase, a typical class D enzyme, with diaroyl phosphates involves acylation of the active site with departure of an aroyl phosphate leaving group. The interaction of the latter with polar active-site residues is most likely responsible for the general reactivity of these molecules with the enzyme. The rate of acylation of the OXA-1 beta-lactamase by diaroyl phosphates is not greatly affected by the electronic effects of substituents, probably because of compensation phenomena, but is greatly enhanced by hydrophobic substituents; the second-order rate constant for acylation of the OXA-1 beta-lactamase by bis(4-phenylbenzoyl) phosphate, for example, is 1.1 x 10(7) s(-)(1) M(-)(1). This acylation reactivity correlates with the hydrophobic nature of the beta-lactam side-chain binding site of class D beta-lactamases. Deacylation of the enzyme is slow, e.g., 1.24 x 10(-)(3) s(-)(1) for the above-mentioned phosphate and directly influenced by the electronic effects of substituents. The effective steady-state inhibition constants, K(i), are nanomolar, e.g., 0.11 nM for the above-mentioned phosphate. The diaroyl phosphates, which have now been shown to be inhibitory substrates of all serine beta-lactamases, represent an intriguing new platform for the design of beta-lactamase inhibitors.

Inhibition of class D beta-lactamases by acyl phosphates and phosphonates

The susceptibility of typical class D beta-lactamases to inhibition by acyl phosph(on)ates has been determined. To a large degree, these class D enzymes behaved very similarly to the class A TEM beta-lactamase towards these reagents. Dibenzoyl phosphate stood out in both cases as a lead compound towards a new class of effective inhibitors.

Characterization of the naturally occurring oxacillinase of Acinetobacter baumannii

A chromosomally encoded oxacillinase, OXA-69, was characterized from Acinetobacter baumannii AYE. beta-Lactamase OXA-69 shared 97% amino acid identity with the recently described OXA-51 enzyme of A. baumannii and 62 and 56% amino acid identity with the carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinases OXA-24 and OXA-23, respectively. Biochemical characterization of the purified OXA-69 revealed a narrow-spectrum hydrolysis profile but including, at a low level, imipenem and meropenem. By PCR and sequencing bla(OXA-69)-like genes were identified in all A. baumannii strains tested (n = 12), suggesting that this oxacillinase is naturally occurring in that species.

Characterization of the naturally occurring oxacillinase of Acinetobacter baumannii

A chromosomally encoded oxacillinase, OXA-69, was characterized from Acinetobacter baumannii AYE. beta-Lactamase OXA-69 shared 97% amino acid identity with the recently described OXA-51 enzyme of A. baumannii and 62 and 56% amino acid identity with the carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinases OXA-24 and OXA-23, respectively. Biochemical characterization of the purified OXA-69 revealed a narrow-spectrum hydrolysis profile but including, at a low level, imipenem and meropenem. By PCR and sequencing bla(OXA-69)-like genes were identified in all A. baumannii strains tested (n = 12), suggesting that this oxacillinase is naturally occurring in that species.

Common beta-lactamases inhibit bacterial biofilm formation

Beta-lactamases, which evolved from bacterial penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) involved in peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis, confer resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. While investigating the genetic basis of biofilm development by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we noted that plasmid vectors encoding the common beta-lactamase marker TEM-1 caused defects in twitching motility (mediated by type IV pili), adherence and biofilm formation without affecting growth rates. Similarly, strains of Escherichia coli carrying TEM-1-encoding vectors grew normally but showed reduced adherence and biofilm formation, showing this effect was not species-specific. Introduction of otherwise identical plasmid vectors carrying tetracycline or gentamicin resistance markers had no effect on biofilm formation or twitching motility. The effect is restricted to class A and D enzymes, because expression of the class D Oxa-3 beta-lactamase, but not class B or C beta-lactamases, impaired biofilm formation by E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Site-directed mutagenesis of the catalytic Ser of TEM-1, but not Oxa-3, abolished the biofilm defect, while disruption of either TEM-1 or Oxa-3 expression restored wild-type levels of biofilm formation. We hypothesized that the A and D classes of beta-lactamases, which are related to low molecular weight (LMW) PBPs, may sequester or alter the PG substrates of such enzymes and interfere with normal cell wall turnover. In support of this hypothesis, deletion of the E. coli LMW PBPs 4, 5 and 7 or combinations thereof, resulted in cumulative defects in biofilm formation, similar to those seen in beta-lactamase-expressing transformants. Our results imply that horizontal acquisition of beta-lactamase resistance enzymes can have a phenotypic cost to bacteria by reducing their ability to form biofilms. Beta-lactamases likely affect PG remodelling, manifesting as perturbation of structures involved in bacterial adhesion that are required to initiate biofilm formation.

Lysine carboxylation in proteins: OXA-10 β-lactamase

An increasing number of proteins are being shown to have an N(zeta)-carboxylated lysine in their structures, a posttranslational modification of proteins that proceeds without the intervention of a specific enzyme. The role of the carboxylated lysine in these proteins is typically structural (hydrogen bonding or metal coordination). However, carboxylated lysines in the active sites of OXA-10 and OXA-1 beta-lactamases and the sensor domain of BlaR signal-transducer protein serve in proton transfer events required for the functions of these proteins. These examples demonstrate the utility of this unusual amino acid in acid-base chemistry, in expansion of function beyond those of the 20 standard amino acids. In this study, the ONIOM quantum-mechanical/molecular-mechanical (QM/MM) method is used to study the carboxylation of lysine in the OXA-10 beta-lactamase. Lys-70 and the active site of the OXA-10 beta-lactamase were treated with B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) density functional calculations and the remainder of the enzyme with the AMBER molecular mechanics force field. The barriers for unassisted carboxylation of neutral lysine by carbon dioxide or bicarbonate are high. However, when the reaction with CO2 is catalyzed by a molecule of water in the active site, it is exothermic by about 13 kcal/mol, with a barrier of approximately 14 kcal/mol. The calculations show that the carboxylation and decarboxylation of Lys-70 are likely to be accompanied by deprotonation and protonation of the carbamate, respectively. The analysis may also be relevant for other proteins with carboxylated lysines, a feature that may be more common in nature than previously appreciated.

OXA-46, a new class D beta-lactamase of narrow substrate specificity encoded by a blaVIM-1-containing integron from a Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate

A novel OXA-type enzyme, named OXA-46, was found to be encoded by a gene cassette inserted into a class 1 integron from a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate. The variable region of the integron also contained a bla(VIM-1) metallo-beta-lactamase cassette and a duplicated aacA4 aminoglycoside acetyltransferase cassette. OXA-46 belongs to the OXA-2 lineage of class D beta-lactamases. It exhibits 78% sequence identity with OXA-2 and the highest similarity (around 92% identity) with another OXA-type enzyme detected in clinical isolates of Burkholderia cepacia and in unidentified bacteria from a wastewater plant. Expression of bla(OXA-46) in Escherichia coli decreased susceptibility to penicillins and narrow-spectrum cephalosporins but not to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, cefsulodin, aztreonam, or carbapenems. The enzyme was overproduced in E. coli and purified by two anion-exchange chromatography steps (approximate yield, 6 mg/liter). OXA-46 was made of a 28.5-kDa polypeptide and exhibited an alkaline pI (7.8). In its native form OXA-46 appeared to be dimeric, and the oligomerization state was not affected by EDTA. Kinetic analysis of OXA-46 revealed a specificity for narrow-spectrum substrates, including oxacillin, other penicillins (but not temocillin), and narrow-spectrum cephalosporins. The enzyme apparently did not interact with temocillin, oxyimino-cephalosporins, or aztreonam. OXA-46 was inactivated by tazobactam and carbapenems and, although less efficiently, also by clavulanic acid. Enzyme activity was not affected either by EDTA or by divalent cations and exhibited low susceptibility to NaCl. These findings underscore the functional and structural diversity that can be encountered among class D beta-lactamases.

Functional characterization of OXA-57, a class D beta-lactamase from Burkholderia pseudomallei

Class D beta-lactamase OXA-57 was identified in a range of isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia thailandensis. Comparative kinetic analyses of wild-type and mutant forms of B. pseudomallei OXA-57 are reported. Implications of these data for beta-lactam resistance and the proposed role of Ser-104 in beta-lactam hydrolysis are discussed.

OXA-60, a chromosomal, inducible, and imipenem-hydrolyzing class D beta-lactamase from Ralstonia pickettii

A chromosomally encoded oxacillinase, OXA-22, had been characterized from Ralstonia pickettii PIC-1 that did not explain by itself the resistance profile of this strain to beta-lactams. Thus, further analysis of the genetic background of this species led to the identification of another oxacillinase, OXA-60, that was expressed only after beta-lactam induction. This chromosomally encoded oxacillinase shared 19% amino acid identity with OXA-22. It has a narrow-spectrum hydrolysis profile that includes imipenem. OXA-60-like enzymes were identified in several R. pickettii strains. Gene inactivation and induction studies of the bla(OXA-60) and bla(OXA-22) genes in R. pickettii identified the relative contribution of each oxacillinase to the resistance profile of R. pickettii to beta-lactams.

X-ray Crystal Structure of the Acylated β-Lactam Sensor Domain of BlaR1 from Staphylococcus aureus and the Mechanism of Receptor Activation for Signal Transduction

Methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are the major cause of infections worldwide. Transcription of the beta-lactamase and PBP2a resistance genes is mediated by two closely related signal-transducing integral membrane proteins, BlaR1 and MecR1, upon binding of the beta-lactam inducer to the sensor domain. Herein we report the crystal structure at 1.75 A resolution of the sensor domain of BlaR1 in complex with a cephalosporin antibiotic. Activation of the signal transducer involves acylation of serine 389 by the beta-lactam antibiotic, a process promoted by the N-carboxylated side chain of Lys392. We present evidence that, on acylation, the lysine side chain experiences a spontaneous decarboxylation that entraps the sensor in its activated state. Kinetic determinations and quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical calculations and the interaction networks in the crystal structure shed light on how this unprecedented process for activation of a receptor may be achieved and provide insights into the mechanistic features that differentiate the signal-transducing receptor from the structurally related class D beta-lactamases, enzymes of antibiotic resistance.

Transcarboxylase 5S structures: assembly and catalytic mechanism of a multienzyme complex subunit

Transcarboxylase is a 1.2 million Dalton (Da) multienzyme complex from Propionibacterium shermanii that couples two carboxylation reactions, transferring CO(2)(-) from methylmalonyl-CoA to pyruvate to yield propionyl-CoA and oxaloacetate. Crystal structures of the 5S metalloenzyme subunit, which catalyzes the second carboxylation reaction, have been solved in free form and bound to its substrate pyruvate, product oxaloacetate, or inhibitor 2-ketobutyrate. The structure reveals a dimer of beta(8)alpha(8) barrels with an active site cobalt ion coordinated by a carbamylated lysine, except in the oxaloacetate complex in which the product's carboxylate group serves as a ligand instead. 5S and human pyruvate carboxylase (PC), an enzyme crucial to gluconeogenesis, catalyze similar reactions. A 5S-based homology model of the PC carboxyltransferase domain indicates a conserved mechanism and explains the molecular basis of mutations in lactic acidemia. PC disease mutations reproduced in 5S result in a similar decrease in carboxyltransferase activity and crystal structures with altered active sites.

Biochemical characterization of the naturally occurring oxacillinase OXA-50 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The bla(OXA-50) gene (formerly known as the PA5514 gene) is an oxacillinase gene identified in silico in the genome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. By using a mutant strain of P. aeruginosa PAO1 that had an inactivated bla(AmpC) cephalosporinase gene, the bla(OXA-50) gene was shown to be expressed constitutively in P. aeruginosa. This beta-lactamase gene was cloned onto a multicopy plasmid and expressed in P. aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. It conferred decreased susceptibility to ampicillin and ticarcillin and, interestingly, to moxalactam and meropenem in P. aeruginosa but not in E. coli. Overexpression and purification enabled us to determine the molecular mass (25 kDa), the pI value (8.6), and the hydrolysis spectrum of the OXA-50 beta-lactamase. It is a narrow-spectrum oxacillinase that uncommonly hydrolyzes imipenem, although at a low level. Very similar oxacillinase genes were identified in all P. aeruginosa isolates from various geographical origins tested. The weak variability of the nucleotide sequence of this gene (0 to 2%) corresponded to that found for the naturally occurring bla(AmpC) cephalosporinase gene of P. aeruginosa. The study indicated that P. aeruginosa harbors two naturally encoded beta-lactamase genes, one of which encodes an inducible cephalosporinase and the other of which encodes a constitutively expressed oxacillinase.

Chromophoric spin-labeled beta-lactam antibiotics for ENDOR structural characterization of reaction intermediates of class A and class C beta-lactamases

The chromophoric spin-label substrate 6-N-[3-(2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-oxypyrrolin-3-yl)-propen-2-oyl]penicillanic acid (SLPPEN) was synthesized by acylation of 6-aminopenicillanic acid with the acid chloride of 3-(2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-oxypyrrolinyl)-2-propenoic acid and characterized by physical methods. By application of angle-selected electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR), we have determined the molecular structure of SLPPEN in solution. SLPPEN exhibited UV absorption properties that allowed accurate monitoring of the kinetics of its enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis. The maximum value of the (substrate-product) difference extinction coefficient was 2824 M(-1) cm(-1) at 275 nm compared to 670 M(-1) cm(-1) at 232 nm for SLPEN [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 117 (1995) 6739]. For SLPPEN, the steady-state kinetic parameters kcat and kcat/KM, determined under initial velocity conditions, were 637 +/- 36 s(-1) and 13.8 +/- 1.4 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1), respectively, for hydrolysis catalyzed by TEM-1 beta-lactamase of E. coli, and 0.5 +/- 0.04 s(-1) and 3.9 +/- 0.4 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) for hydrolysis catalyzed by the beta-lactamase of Enterobacter cloacae P99. We have also observed "burst kinetics" for the hydrolysis of SLPPEN with P99 beta-lactamase, indicative of formation of an acylenzyme reaction intermediate. In DMSO:H2O (30:70, v:v) cryosolvent mixtures buffered to pH* 7.0, the half-life of the acylenzyme intermediate formed with the P99 enzyme at -5 degrees C was > or = 3 min, suitable for optical characterization. The observation of burst kinetics in the hydrolysis of SLPPEN catalyzed by P99 beta-lactamase suggests that this chromophoric spin-labeled substrate is differentially sensitive to active site interactions underlying the cephalosporinase and penicillinase reactivity of this class C enzyme.

Cefotaximases (CTX-M-ases), an expanding family of extended-spectrum β-lactamases

Among the extended-spectrum β-lactamases, the cefotaximases (CTX-M-ases) constitute a rapidly growing cluster of enzymes that have disseminated geographically. The CTX-M-ases, which hydrolyze cefotaxime efficiently, are mostly encoded by transferable plasmids, and the enzymes have been found predominantly in Enterobacteriaceae, most prevalently in Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. Isolates of Vibrio cholerae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Aeromonas hydrophila encoding CTX-M-ases have also been reported. The CTX-M-ases belong to the molecular class A β-lactamases, and the enzymes are functionally characterized as extended-spectrum β-lactamases. This group of β-lactamases confers resistance to penicillins, extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and monobactams, and the enzymes are inhibited by clavulanate, sulbactam, and tazobactam. Typically, the CTX-M-ases hydrolyze cefotaxime more efficiently than ceftazidime, which is reflected in substantially higher MICs to cefotaxime than to ceftazidime. Phylogenetically, the CTX-M-ases are divided into four subfamilies that seem to have descended from chromosomal β-lactamases of Kluyvera spp. Insertion sequences, especially ISEcp1, have been found adjacent to genes encoding enzymes of all four subfamilies. The class I integron-associated orf513 also seems to be involved in the mobilization of blaCTX-M genes. This review discusses the phylogeny and the hydrolytic properties of the CTX-M-ases, as well as their geographic occurrence and mode of spread.Key words: extended-spectrum β-lactamases, cefotaximases, phylogeny, dissemination, hydrolytic properties.

Crystal Structure of the Sensor Domain of the BlaR Penicillin Receptor from Bacillus licheniformis,

As in several staphylococci, the synthesis of the Bacillus licheniformis 749/I beta-lactamase is an inducible phenomenon regulated by a signal-transducing membrane protein BlaR. The C-terminal domain of this multimodular protein is an extracellular domain which specifically recognizes beta-lactam antibiotics. When it binds a beta-lactam, a signal is transmitted by the transmembrane region to the intracellular loops. In response, the hydrolytic activity of the BlaR large cytoplasmic L3 loop is induced, and a cascade of reactions is generated, leading to the transcription of the beta-lactamase gene. Here, we describe the crystal structure of the extracellular penicillin-receptor domain of BlaR (residues 346-601) at 2.5 A resolution in order to understand why this domain, whose folding is very similar to that of class D beta-lactamases, behaves as a highly sensitive penicillin-binding protein rather than a beta-lactamase. Two residues of the BlaR C-terminal domain, Thr452 and Thr542, modify the hydrophobic characteristic of the class D beta-lactamase active site. Both residues seem to be in part responsible for the lack of beta-lactamase activity of the BlaR protein due to the stability of the acyl-enzyme. Although further experimental data are needed to fully understand the transmembrane induction process, the comparison of the BlaR sensor domain structure with those of class D beta-lactamase complexes and penicillin-binding proteins provides interesting elements to hypothesize on possible signal transmission mechanisms.

Understanding the acylation mechanisms of active-site serine penicillin-recognizing proteins: a molecular dynamics simulation study

Beta-lactam antibiotics inhibit enzymes involved in the last step of peptidoglycan synthesis. These enzymes, also identified as penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), form a long-lived acyl-enzyme complex with beta-lactams. Antibiotic resistance is mainly due to the production of beta-lactamases, which are enzymes that hydrolyze the antibiotics and so prevent them reaching and inactivating their targets, and to mutations of the PBPs that decrease their affinity for the antibiotics. In this study, we present a theoretical study of several penicillin-recognizing proteins complexed with various beta-lactam antibiotics. Hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical potentials in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to understand the role of several residues, and pK(a) calculations have also been done to determine their protonation state. We analyze the differences between the beta-lactamase TEM-1, the membrane-bound PBP2x of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the soluble DD-transpeptidase of Streptomyces K15.

Molecular and biochemical characterization of OXA-45, an extended-spectrum class 2d' beta-lactamase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

As part of the CANCER Antimicrobial Surveillance Program in North America, a clinical strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, strain 07-406, isolated in Texas was found to be resistant to all antimicrobials except polymyxin B. Genetic analysis of this isolate identified two unique extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes. One, bla(VIM-7), encoded a metallo-beta-lactamase (unpublished data), and the other, bla(OXA-45), described here, encoded a class D extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. bla(OXA-45) was isolated on a Sau3A1 genomic fragment of 1.8 kb and encodes a protein of 264 amino acids with the highest identities to OXA-18 (65.9%), OXA-9 (42.8%), OXA-22 (40.2%), OXA-12 (38.6%), and OXA-29 (35.2%) but weak identities with other class D beta-lactamases. bla(OXA-45) was found to be harbored on a 24-kb plasmid in a region that displays high identities with a section of the 43-kb genomic island of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104. Biochemically OXA-45 is most similar to OXA-18 in its substrate profile and inhibition by clavulanic acid and is a member of the 2d' class of beta-lactamases.

Identification of residues critical for catalysis in a class C beta-lactamase by combinatorial scanning mutagenesis

Despite their clinical importance, the mechanism of action of the class C beta-lactamases is poorly understood. In contrast to the class A and class D beta-lactamases, which contain a glutamate residue and a carbamylated lysine in their respective active sites that are thought to serve as general base catalysts for beta-lactam hydrolysis, the mechanism of activation of the serine and water nucleophiles in the class C enzymes is unclear. To probe for residues involved in catalysis, the class C beta-lactamase from Enterobacter cloacae P99 was studied by combinatorial scanning mutagenesis at 122 positions in and around the active site. Over 1000 P99 variants were screened for activity in a high-throughput in vivo antibiotic resistance assay and sequenced by 96-capillary electrophoresis to identify residues that are important for catalysis. P99 mutants showing reduced capability to convey antibiotic resistance were purified and characterized in vitro. The screen identified an active-site hydrogen-bonding network that is key to catalysis. A second cluster of residues was identified that likely plays a structural role in the enzyme. Otherwise, residues not directly contacting the substrate showed tolerance to substitution. The study lends support to the notion that the class C beta-lactamases do not have a single residue that acts as the catalytic general base. Rather, catalysis is affected by a hydrogen-bonding network in the active site, suggesting a possible charge relay system.

Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and its mediation by the sensor domain of the transmembrane BlaR signaling pathway in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococci, a leading cause of infections worldwide, have devised two mechanisms for resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. One is production of beta-lactamases, hydrolytic resistance enzymes, and the other is the expression of penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP 2a), which is not susceptible to inhibition by beta-lactam antibiotics. The beta-lactam sensor-transducer (BlaR), an integral membrane protein, binds beta-lactam antibiotics on the cell surface and transduces the information to the cytoplasm, where gene expression is derepressed for both beta-lactamase and penicillin-binding protein 2a. The gene for the sensor domain of the sensor-transducer protein (BlaR(S)) of Staphylococcus aureus was cloned, and the protein was purified to homogeneity. It is shown that beta-lactam antibiotics covalently modify the BlaR(S) protein. The protein was shown to contain the unusual carboxylated lysine that activates the active site serine residue for acylation by the beta-lactam antibiotics. The details of the kinetics of interactions of the BlaR(S) protein with a series of beta-lactam antibiotics were investigated. The protein undergoes acylation by beta-lactam antibiotics with microscopic rate constants (k(2)) of 1-26 s(-1), yet the deacylation process was essentially irreversible within one cell cycle. The protein undergoes a significant conformational change on binding with beta-lactam antibiotics, a process that commences at the preacylation complex and reaches its full effect after protein acylation has been accomplished. These conformational changes are likely to be central to the signal transduction events when the organism is exposed to the beta-lactam antibiotic.

Comparison of beta-lactamases of classes A and D: 1.5-A crystallographic structure of the class D OXA-1 oxacillinase

The crystallographic structure of the Escherichia coli OXA-1 beta-lactamase has been established at 1.5-A resolution and refined to R = 0.18. The 28.2-kD oxacillinase is a class D serine beta-lactamase that is especially active against the penicillin-type beta-lactams oxacillin and cloxacillin. In contrast to the structures of OXA-2, OXA-10, and OXA-13 belonging to other subclasses, the OXA-1 molecule is monomeric rather than dimeric and represents the subclass characterized by an enlarged Omega loop near the beta-lactam binding site. The 6-residue hydrophilic insertion in this loop cannot interact directly with substrates and, instead, projects into solvent. In this structure at pH 7.5, carboxylation of the conserved Lys 70 in the catalytic site is observed. One oxygen atom of the carboxylate group is hydrogen bonded to Ser 120 and Trp 160. The other oxygen atom is more exposed and hydrogen bonded to the Ogamma of the reactive Ser 67. In the overlay of the class D and class A binding sites, the carboxylate group is displaced ca. 2.6 A from the carboxylate group of Glu 166 of class A enzymes. However, each group is equidistant from the site of the water molecule expected to function in hydrolysis, and which could be activated by the carboxylate group of Lys 70. In this ligand-free OXA-1 structure, no water molecule is seen in this site, so the water molecule must enter after formation of the acyl-Ser 67 intermediate.

pKa, MM, and QM studies of mechanisms of beta-lactamases and penicillin-binding proteins: acylation step

The acylation step of the catalytic mechanism of beta-lactamases and penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) has been studied with various approaches. The methods applied range from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to multiple titration calculations using the Poisson-Boltzmann approach to quantum mechanical (QM) methods. The mechanism of class A beta-lactamases was investigated in the greatest detail. Most approaches support the critical role of Glu-166 and hydrolytic water in the acylation step of the enzymatic catalysis in class A beta-lactamases. The details of the catalytic mechanism have been revealed by the QM approach, which clearly pointed out the critical role of Glu-166 acting as a general base in the acylation step with preferred substrates. Lys-73 shuffles a proton abstracted by Glu-166 O(epsilon ) to the beta-lactam nitrogen through Ser-130 hydroxyl. This proton is transferred from O(gamma) of the catalytic Ser-70 through the bridging hydrolytic water to Glu-166 O(epsilon ). Then the hydrogen is simultaneously passed through S(N)2 inversion mechanism at Lys-73 N(zeta) to Ser-130 O(gamma), which loses its proton to the beta-lactam nitrogen. The protonation of beta-lactam nitrogen proceeds with an immediate ring opening and collapse of the first tetrahedral species into an acyl-enzyme intermediate. However, the studies that considered the effect of solvation lower the barrier for the pathway, which utilizes Lys-73 as a general base, thus creating a possibility of multiple mechanisms for the acylation step in the class A beta-lactamases. These findings help explain the exceptional efficiency of these enzymes. They emphasize an important role of Glu-166, Lys-73, and Ser-130 for enzymatic catalysis and shed light on details of the acylation step of class A beta-lactamase mechanism. The acylation step for class C beta-lactamases and six classes of PBPs were also considered with continuum solvent models and MD simulations.

Structure-based approach for binding site identification on AmpC beta-lactamase

Beta-lactamases are the most widespread resistance mechanism to beta-lactam antibiotics and are an increasing menace to public health. Several beta-lactamase structures have been determined, making this enzyme an attractive target for structure-based drug design. To facilitate inhibitor design for the class C beta-lactamase AmpC, binding site "hot spots" on the enzyme were identified using experimental and computational approaches. Experimentally, X-ray crystal structures of AmpC in complexes with four boronic acid inhibitors and a higher resolution (1.72 A) native apo structure were determined. Along with previously determined structures of AmpC in complexes with five other boronic acid inhibitors and four beta-lactams, consensus binding sites were identified. Computationally, the programs GRID, MCSS, and X-SITE were used to predict potential binding site hot spots on AmpC. Several consensus binding sites were identified from the crystal structures. An amide recognition site was identified by the interaction between the carbonyl oxygen in the R1 side chain of beta-lactams and the atom Ndelta2 of the conserved Asn152. Surprisingly, this site also recognizes the aryl rings of arylboronic acids, appearing to form quadrupole-dipole interactions with Asn152. The highly conserved "oxyanion" hole defines a site that recognizes both carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. A hydroxyl binding site was identified by the O2 hydroxyl in the boronic acids, which hydrogen bonds with Tyr150 and a conserved water. A hydrophobic site is formed by Leu119 and Leu293. A carboxylate binding site was identified by the ubiquitous C3(4) carboxylate of the beta-lactams, which interacts with Asn346 and Arg349. Four water sites were identified by ordered waters observed in most of the structures; these waters form extensive hydrogen-bonding networks with AmpC and occasionally the ligand. Predictions by the computational programs showed some correlation with the experimentally observed binding sites. Several sites were not predicted, but novel binding sites were suggested. Taken together, a map of binding site hot spots found on AmpC, along with information on the functionality recognized at each site, was constructed. This map may be useful for structure-based inhibitor design against AmpC.

Molecular analysis of beta-lactamase structure and function

The extensive and sometimes irresponsible use of beta-lactam antibiotics in clinical and agricultural settings has contributed to the emergence and widespread dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bacteria have evolved three strategies to escape the activity of beta-lactam antibiotics: 1) alteration of the target site (e.g. penicillin-binding protein (PBPs), 2) reduction of drug permeation across the bacterial membrane (e.g. efflux pumps) and 3) production of beta-lactamase enzymes. The beta-lactamase enzymes inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics by hydrolyzing the peptide bond of the characteristic four-membered beta-lactam ring rendering the antibiotic ineffective. The inactivation of the antibiotic provides resistance to the bacterium. Currently, there are over 300 beta-lactamase enzymes described for which numerous kinetic, structural, computational and mutagenesis studies have been performed. In this review, we discuss the recent work performed on the four different classes (A, B, C, and D) of beta-lactamases. These investigative advances further expand our knowledge about these complex enzymes, and hopefully, will provide us with additional tools to develop new inhibitors and antibiotics based on structural and rational designs.

High-resolution X-ray structure of an acyl-enzyme species for the class D OXA-10 beta-lactamase

Beta-lactamases are resistance enzymes for beta-lactam antibiotics. These enzymes hydrolyze the beta-lactam moieties of these antibiotics, rendering them inactive. Of the four classes of known beta-lactamases, the enzymes of class D are the least understood. We report herein the high-resolution (1.9 A) crystal structure of the class D OXA-10 beta-lactamase inhibited by a penicillanate derivative. The structure provides evidence that the carboxylated Lys-70 (a carbamate) is intimately involved in the mechanism of the enzyme.

Critical involvement of a carbamylated lysine in catalytic function of class D beta-lactamases

beta-Lactamases are the resistance enzymes for beta-lactam antibiotics, of which four classes are known. beta-lactamases hydrolyze the beta-lactam moieties of these antibiotics, rendering them inactive. It is shown herein that the class D OXA-10 beta-lactamase depends critically on an unusual carbamylated lysine as the basic residue for both the enzyme acylation and deacylation steps of catalysis. The formation of carbamylated lysine is reversible. Evidence is presented that this enzyme is dimeric and carbamylated in living bacteria. High-resolution x-ray structures for the native enzyme were determined at pH values of 6.0, 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5. Two dimers are present per asymmetric unit. One monomer in each dimer was carbamylated at pH 6.0, whereas all four monomers were fully carbamylated at pH 8.5. At the intermediate pH values, one monomer of each dimer was carbamylated, and the other showed a mixture of carbamylated and non-carbamylated lysines. It would appear that, as the pH increased for the sample, additional lysines were "titrated" by carbamylation. A handful of carbamylated lysines are known from protein crystallographic data, all of which have been attributed roles in structural stabilization (mostly as metal ligands) of the proteins. This paper reports a previously unrecognized role for a noncoordinated carbamylate lysine as a basic residue involved in mechanistic reactions of an enzyme, which indicates another means for expansion of the catalytic capabilities of the amino acids in nature beyond the 20 common amino acids in development of biological catalysts.

Characterization of OXA-29 from Legionella (Fluoribacter) gormanii: molecular class D beta-lactamase with unusual properties

A class D beta-lactamase determinant was isolated from the genome of Legionella (Fluoribacter) gormanii ATCC 33297(T). The enzyme, named OXA-29, is quite divergent from other class D beta-lactamases, being more similar (33 to 43% amino acid identity) to those of groups III (OXA-1) and IV (OXA-9, OXA-12, OXA-18, and OXA-22) than to other class D enzymes (21 to 24% sequence identity). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the closer ancestry of OXA-29 with members of the former groups. The OXA-29 enzyme was purified from an Escherichia coli strain overexpressing the gene via a T7-based expression system by a single ion-exchange chromatography step on S-Sepharose. The mature enzyme consists of a 28.5-kDa polypeptide and exhibits an isoelectric pH of >9. Analysis of the kinetic parameters of OXA-29 revealed efficient activity (k(cat)/K(m) ratios of >10(5) M(-1) x s(-1)) for several penam compounds (oxacillin, methicillin, penicillin G, ampicillin, carbenicillin, and piperacillin) and also for cefazolin and nitrocefin. Oxyimino cephalosporins and aztreonam were also hydrolyzed, although less efficiently (k(cat)/K(m) ratios of around 10(3) M(-1) x s(-1)). Carbapenems were neither hydrolyzed nor inhibitory. OXA-29 was inhibited by BRL 42715 (50% inhibitory concentration [IC(50)], 0.44 microM) and by tazobactam (IC(50), 3.2 microM), but not by clavulanate. It was also unusually resistant to chloride ions (IC(50), >100 mM). Unlike OXA-10, OXA-29 was apparently found as a dimer both in diluted solutions and in the presence of EDTA. Its activity was either unaffected or inhibited by divalent cations. OXA-29 is a new class D beta-lactamase that exhibits some unusual properties likely reflecting original structural and mechanistic features.

Crystal structure of PBP2x from a highly penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical isolate: a mosaic framework containing 83 mutations

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are the main targets for beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, in a wide range of bacterial species. In some Gram-positive strains, the surge of resistance to treatment with beta-lactams is primarily the result of the proliferation of mosaic PBP-encoding genes, which encode novel proteins by recombination. PBP2x is a primary resistance determinant in Streptococcus pneumoniae, and its modification is an essential step in the development of high level beta-lactam resistance. To understand such a resistance mechanism at an atomic level, we have solved the x-ray crystal structure of PBP2x from a highly penicillin-resistant clinical isolate of S. pneumoniae, Sp328, which harbors 83 mutations in the soluble region. In the proximity of the Sp328 PBP2x* active site, the Thr(338) --> Ala mutation weakens the local hydrogen bonding network, thus abrogating the stabilization of a crucial buried water molecule. In addition, the Ser(389) --> Leu and Asn(514) --> His mutations produce a destabilizing effect that generates an "open" active site. It has been suggested that peptidoglycan substrates for beta-lactam-resistant PBPs contain a large amount of abnormal, branched peptides, whereas sensitive strains tend to catalyze cross-linking of linear forms. Thus, in vivo, an "open" active site could facilitate the recognition of distinct, branched physiological substrates.

Crystal structures of the class D beta-lactamase OXA-13 in the native form and in complex with meropenem

The therapeutic problems posed by class D beta-lactamases, a family of serine enzymes that hydrolyse beta-lactam antibiotics following an acylation-deacylation mechanism, are increased by the very low level of sensitivity of these enzymes to beta-lactamase inhibitors. To gain structural and mechanistic insights to aid the design of new inhibitors, we have determined the crystal structure of OXA-13 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the apo form and in complex with the carbapenem meropenem. The native form consisted of a dimer displaying an overall organisation similar to that found in the closely related enzyme OXA-10. In the acyl-enzyme complex, the positioning of the antibiotic appeared to be ensured mainly by (i) the covalent acyl bond and (ii) a strong salt-bridge involving the carboxylate moiety of the drug. Comparison of the structures of OXA-13 in the apo form and in complex with meropenem revealed an unsuspected flexibility in the region of the essential serine 115 residue, with possible consequences for the catalytic properties of the enzyme. In the apo form, the Ser115 side-chain is oriented outside the active site, whereas the general base Lys70 adopts a conformation that seems to be incompatible with the activation of the catalytic water molecule required for the deacylation step. In the OXA-13:meropenem complex, a 3.5 A movement of the backbone of the 114-116 loop towards the side-chain of Lys70 was observed, which seems to be driven by a displacement of the neighbouring 91-104 loop and which results in the repositioning of the side-chain hydroxyl group of Ser115 toward the catalytic centre. Concomitantly, the side-chain of Lys70 is forced to curve in the direction of the deacylating water molecule, which is then strongly bound and activated by this residue. However, a distance of ca 5 A separates the catalytic water molecule from the acyl carbonyl group of meropenem, a structural feature that accounts for the inhibition of OXA-13 by this drug. Finally, the low level of penicillinase activity revealed by the kinetic analysis of OXA-13 could be related to the specific presence in position 73 of a serine residue located close to the general base Lys70, which results in a decrease of the number of hydrogen-bonding interactions stabilising the catalytic water molecule.