Function
Beta-lactamase (Blac) are enzymes which make bacteria resistant to β-lactam antibiotics by breaking their β-lactam ring. Blac are classified according to their resistance targets.
- Class A are broad-spectrum
- Class B are metalloenzymes
- Class C are cephalosporinases
- Class D are cloxacilanases
- Carbapenemase (Car) are Blac with wide hydrolytic capacities. Car can hydrolyze penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams and carbapenems.
- Extended-spectrum Blac class A (ESBL) hydrolyze penicillins but not cephalosporins.
Relevance
Blac makes some bacteria resistant to antibiotics like penicillin, cephamycin and carbapenems.
Structural highlights
The active site of class B Blac contains 2 Zn+2 ions.
3D Structures of Beta-lactamase
Updated on 10-November-2015
