Mechanistic insights into enterocin C targeting the undecaprenyl phosphate recycling protein BacA.

ABSTRACT: Enterococcus faecalis is an important opportunistic pathogen responsible for healthcare-associated infections. It is intrinsically resistant to various antibiotics, particularly to cephalosporins and vancomycin, creating an urgent need for alternative therapeutics. In this context, bacteriocins warrant investigations as a potential source of medically useful antibiotics. Herein, we demonstrate that Enterocin C, a class IIb two-peptide bacteriocin, specifically targets the membrane-embedded undecaprenyl phosphate recycling protein BacA from enterococci as a cell surface receptor. Using biochemical and biophysical methods, supported by computer modeling and mutagenesis, we deciphered the EntC's molecular interaction pattern with its target, marking the first mechanistic insight of a two-pept

SUBMITTER: Folcher V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12765074 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature