Abstract
Metallo-β-lactamases have attracted considerable attention due to their role in microbial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. IMP-1, the binuclear Zn-dependent β-lactamase produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other microorganisms, is of particular interest in view of its increasing prevalence. An examination of the susceptibility of IMP-1 to inactivation by six different divalent metal ion chelators has revealed that all except Zincon cause inhibition by forming a complex with the holoenzyme. Exposure of the enzyme to dipicolinic acid (DPA), the most potent inhibitor, results in the production of the mononuclear Zn form of the protein as determined by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) under nondenaturing conditions. This mononuclear Zn species was found to be catalytically competent. Studies with the chromophoric chelator 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) show that the two zinc centers in IMP-1 differ in their accessibility, a feature that could be overcome in the presence of guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl, 1.5 M).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
