Deciphering the molecular basis of multidrug recognition: crystal structures of the Staphylococcus aureus multidrug binding transcription regulator QacR

Res Microbiol. 2003 Mar;154(2):69-77. doi: 10.1016/S0923-2508(02)00013-X.

Abstract

Multidrug transporters and their transcriptional regulators are key components of bacterial multidrug resistance (MDR). How these multidrug binding proteins can recognize such chemically disparate compounds represents a fascinating question from a structural standpoint and an important question in future drug development efforts. The Staphylococcus aureus multidrug binding regulator, QacR, is soluble and recognizes an especially wide range of structurally dissimilar compounds, properties making it an ideal model system for deciphering the molecular basis of multidrug recognition. Recent structures of QacR have afforded the first view of any MDR protein bound to multiple drugs, revealing key structural features of multidrug recognition, including a multisite binding pocket.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins*
  • Binding Sites
  • DNA, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Models, Molecular
  • Repressor Proteins / chemistry*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • QacR protein, Staphylococcus aureus
  • Repressor Proteins