Deleterious mutations in small subunit ribosomal RNA identify functional sites and potential targets for antibiotics.

ABSTRACT: Many clinically useful antibiotics interfere with protein synthesis in bacterial pathogens by inhibiting ribosome function. The sites of action of known drugs are limited in number, are composed primarily of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and coincide with functionally critical centers of the ribosome. Nucleotide alterations within such sites are often deleterious. To identify functional sites and potential sites of antibiotic action in the ribosome, we prepared a random mutant library of rRNA genes and selected dominant mutations in 16S rRNA that interfere with cell growth. Fifty-three 16S rRNA positions were identified whose mutation inhibits protein synthesis. Mutations were ranked according to the severity of the phenotype, and the detrimental effect of several mutations on translation was veri

SUBMITTER: Yassin A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1283848 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature