Role of the extended alpha4 domain of Staphylococcus aureus gyrase A protein in determining low sensitivity to quinolones.

ABSTRACT: Fluoroquinolones target two bacterial type II topoisomerases, DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Acquired resistance to quinolones occurs stepwise, with the first mutation occurring in the more sensitive target enzyme. To limit the emergence of resistance, quinolones should ideally possess dual activities against the two enzymes. For reasons that are as yet unclear, Staphylococcus aureus gyrase is less sensitive to quinolones than topoisomerase IV, counter to its greater sensitivity in Escherichia coli, thereby limiting the use of quinolones for the treatment of staphylococcal infections. Mutations in the alpha4-helix domain of the GyrA subunit of gyrase are important in determining quinolone resistance. We replaced an extended region encompassing the alpha4 domain in the E. coli GyrA protei

SUBMITTER: Strahilevitz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1366898 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature