Publications

• Structural basis for a new tetracycline resistance mechanism relying on the TetX monooxygenase.

  Volkers G., Palm G.J., Weiss M.S., Wright G.D., Hinrichs W.

  The flavin-dependent monooxygenase TetX confers resistance to all clinically relevant tetracyclines, including the recently approved, broad-spectrum antibiotic tigecycline (Tygacil®) which is a critical last-ditch defense against multidrug-resistant pathogens. TetX represents the first resistance ... >> More

  The flavin-dependent monooxygenase TetX confers resistance to all clinically relevant tetracyclines, including the recently approved, broad-spectrum antibiotic tigecycline (Tygacil®) which is a critical last-ditch defense against multidrug-resistant pathogens. TetX represents the first resistance mechanism against tigecycline, which circumvents both the tet-gene encoded resistances, relying on active efflux of tetracyclines, and ribosomal protection proteins. The alternative enzyme-based mechanism of TetX depends on regioselective hydroxylation of tetracycline antibiotics to 11a-hydroxy-tetracyclines. Here, we report the X-ray crystallographic structure determinations at 2.1Å resolution of native TetX from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and its complexes with tetracyclines. Our crystal structures explain the extremely versatile substrate diversity of the enzyme and provide a first step towards the rational design of novel tetracycline derivatives to counter TetX-based resistance prior to emerging clinical observations. << Less

  FEBS Lett. 585:1061-1066(2011) [PubMed] [EuropePMC]

• Tigecycline is modified by the flavin-dependent monooxygenase TetX.

  Moore I.F., Hughes D.W., Wright G.D.

  The clinical use of tetracycline antibiotics has decreased due to the emergence of efflux and ribosomal protection-based resistance mechanisms. Currently in phase III clinical trials, the glycylcycline derivative tigecycline (GAR-936) containing a 9-tert-butylglycylamido group is part of a new gen ... >> More

  The clinical use of tetracycline antibiotics has decreased due to the emergence of efflux and ribosomal protection-based resistance mechanisms. Currently in phase III clinical trials, the glycylcycline derivative tigecycline (GAR-936) containing a 9-tert-butylglycylamido group is part of a new generation of tetracycline antibiotics developed during the 1990s. Tigecycline displays a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and circumvents the efflux and ribosomal protection resistance mechanisms. The TetX protein is a flavin-dependent monooxygenase that modifies first and second generation tetracyclines and requires NADPH, Mg(2+), and O(2) for activity. We report that tigecycline is a substrate for TetX and that bacterial strains containing the tet(X) gene are resistant to tigecycline. The resistance is due to the modification of tigecycline by TetX to form 11a-hydroxytigecycline, which we have shown has a weakened ability to inhibit protein translation compared with tigecycline. We have explored the basis of this decreased ability to block translation and found that hydroxylation occurs in the region of the molecule important for coordinating magnesium. 11a-Hydroxytigecycline forms a weaker complex with magnesium than tigecycline; the crystal structure of tetracycline in complex with the ribosome has shown that magnesium coordination is critical for binding tetracycline. Although tet(X) has not been isolated from any clinically resistant strains, our report demonstrates the first enzymatic resistance mechanism to tigecycline and provides an alert for the surveillance of resistant strains that may contain tet(X). << Less

  Biochemistry 44:11829-11835(2005) [PubMed] [EuropePMC]

  This publication is cited by 2 other entries.

• TetX is a flavin-dependent monooxygenase conferring resistance to tetracycline antibiotics.

  Yang W., Moore I.F., Koteva K.P., Bareich D.C., Hughes D.W., Wright G.D.

  The tetracycline antibiotics block microbial translation and constitute an important group of antimicrobial agents that find broad clinical utility. Resistance to this class of antibiotics is primarily the result of active efflux or ribosomal protection; however, a novel mechanism of resistance ha ... >> More

  The tetracycline antibiotics block microbial translation and constitute an important group of antimicrobial agents that find broad clinical utility. Resistance to this class of antibiotics is primarily the result of active efflux or ribosomal protection; however, a novel mechanism of resistance has been reported to be oxygen-dependent destruction of the drugs catalyzed by the enzyme TetX. Paradoxically, the tetX genes have been identified on transposable elements found in anaerobic bacteria of the genus Bacteroides. Overexpression of recombinant TetX in Escherichia coli followed by protein purification revealed a stoichiometric complex with flavin adenine dinucleotide. Reconstitution of in vitro enzyme activity demonstrated a broad tetracycline antibiotic spectrum and a requirement for molecular oxygen and NADPH in antibiotic degradation. The tetracycline products of TetX activity were unstable at neutral pH, but mass spectral and NMR characterization under acidic conditions supported initial monohydroxylation at position 11a followed by intramolecular cyclization and non-enzymatic breakdown to other undefined products. TetX is therefore a FAD-dependent monooxygenase. The enzyme not only catalyzed efficient degradation of a broad range of tetracycline analogues but also conferred resistance to these antibiotics in vivo. This is the first molecular characterization of an antibiotic-inactivating monooxygenase, the origins of which may lie in environmental bacteria. << Less

  J. Biol. Chem. 279:52346-52352(2004) [PubMed] [EuropePMC]

  This publication is cited by 2 other entries.