Skip to main content

Structural characterization of BlaR1: A key regulator of beta-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus


EMSL Project ID
51337

Abstract

Our vision is to develop and use structural biology methods to characterize membrane-associated protein assemblies relevant to antibiotic resistance and bacterial pathogenicity. We are particularly interested in understanding how antibiotic resistance is regulated in the multidrug resistant pathogen, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We aim to structurally characterize BlaR1, a key integral membrane signaling protein facilitating ?-lactam antibiotic resistance in MRSA. BlaR1 is activated when it is acylated by ?-lactam antibiotics, triggering the expression of key genes needed for antibiotic resistance in MRSA. We propose to use cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structures of BlaR1 in various states of activation to illuminate its mechanism of action and to aid in the design of novel antibiotics to control and prevent drug resistant bacterial infections.

Project Details

Start Date
2020-05-15
End Date
2021-03-17
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Natalie Strynadka
Institution
The University of British Columbia

Team Members

John Alexander
Institution
The University of British Columbia

Liam Worrall
Institution
The University of British Columbia

Harry Scott
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University

Irina El Khoury
Institution
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory