1. Ana Bernal Brittany Soto BioQuest Consortium at UTK 17 August 2012
PBP2a Penicillin Binding Protein
Ana Bernal
Brittany Soto
BioQuest Consortium at UTK
17 August 2012

3. Cell Wall Cell wall is formed by Peptidoglycan
Peptidogylcan consists of repeating polymer sugars and amino acids.
Growing peptide chains are cross linked by transpeptidase to form a bilayer.

5. β-Lactam Antibiotics Large classification of antibiotics
Penicillin
Methicillin
Most commonly used antibiotics in the past decade.

7. PBP Proteins
β- lactam antibiotics bind to the cell wall by PBP proteins
Prevents transpeptidase from cross linking
The cell wall is weakened and osmotic pressure forces cell lyses

8. PBP2a Proteins MecA gene produces PBP2a.
PBP2a is 78kDa and has a low affinity to β-lactam antibiotics
PBP2a is responsible for the growing resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.

9. Staphlyococcus aureus
Gram-positive bacteria, naturally found in the skin and mucous membranes of mammals.
MRSA: Methicillin resistant strain of S. aureus
Leading acquired hospitalized infections
In the last 5 years, MRSA has surpassed the number of deaths attributed to AIDS.

10. S. aureus Resistance to PBP2a
PBP2a have low affinity for β- lactam antibiotics
Allows transpeptidase to cross link D-alanine with another peptide chain in the presence of equal concentrations of β- lactam antibiotics that would inhibit PBP proteins

11. Future Research Modifications to β-lactam antibiotics
Characterization of PBP2a proteins focusing on kinetic parameters
Developing a new classification of antibiotics that target siderophores, low molecular weight, high affinity iron chelating agents.