Beta-lactamase

Beta-lactamase is a type of enzyme (EC 3.5.2.6) responsible for bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. Among these are penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems and others. They have a common element in their molecular structure, a four-atom ring known as a beta-lactam. The lactamase enzyme breaks that ring open, deactivating the molecule's antibiotic properties.

The structure of a Streptomyces β lactamase is given by PDB 1BSG.

See also:

• Beta-lactam
• Beta-lactam antibiotic

Reference

• Jacoby GA, Munoz-Price LS. The new β-lactamases. N Engl J Med 2005;352:380-91. PMID 15673804