Researchers from City St George’s, University of London have used a new ultra-high precision x-ray scattering technique to identify metal ions in bacteria crucial for antibiotics to work optimally. Antibiotics like fluoroquinolones bind to magnesium ions in bacteria, preventing cell division and multiplication. The team also found potassium and chloride ions in the enzyme complex. This discovery could lead to new antibacterial drugs. The study, published in PNAS, was co-led by Professor Mark Fisher. X-ray scattering revealed the role of metal ions in DNA topoisomerases, essential for antibacterial drug development. This research was supported by the Medical Research Council.
Source link
New X-ray technique reveals metal ion role in antibiotic efficacy
