Structural insights into Cir-mediated killing by the antimicrobial protein Microcin V.

ABSTRACT: Drug-resistant bacteria are a global concern. Novel treatments are needed, but are difficult to develop for Gram-negative species due to the need to traverse the outer membrane to reach targets beneath. A promising solution is found in natural antibiotics which bind outer membrane receptors and co-opt them for import. Exploring this mechanism may open avenues for antibiotic development. An underappreciated class of natural antibiotics are microcins - small antimicrobial proteins secreted by certain bacteria during inter-species competition. Microcins bind outer-membrane receptors of prey species for passage into the periplasm. They have potent activity, bind specific targets, and can control pathobiont expansion and colonization. One microcin, MccV, utilizes the E. coli colicin Ia receptor

SUBMITTER: Maurakis SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12511343 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature