Epigenetic modifications and metabolic gene mutations drive resistance evolution in response to stimulatory antibiotics.

ABSTRACT: The antibiotic resistance crisis, fueled by misuse and bacterial evolution, is a major global health threat. Traditional perspectives tie resistance to drug target mechanisms, viewing antibiotics as mere growth inhibitors. New insights revealed that low-dose antibiotics may also serve as signals, unexpectedly promoting bacterial growth. Yet, the development of resistance under these conditions remains unknown. Our study investigated resistance evolution under stimulatory antibiotics and uncovered new genetic mechanisms of resistance linked to metabolic remodeling. We documented a shift from a fast, reversible mechanism driven by methylation in central metabolic pathways to a slower, stable mechanism involving mutations in key metabolic genes. Both mechanisms contribute to a metabolic profi

SUBMITTER: Lin H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11876630 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature