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Controlling mutation: intervening in evolution as a therapeutic strategy

Ryan T Cirz1, Floyd E Romesberg

  • 1The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.

Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|October 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Mutations, traditionally seen as random errors, can be regulated processes. Induced mutagenesis in bacteria may drive antibiotic resistance evolution, suggesting new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Mutations are fundamental to disease (cancer, aging) and drug resistance.
  • Traditionally, mutations were viewed as unavoidable errors during genome replication.
  • Recent findings reveal mutagenesis can be a regulated, induced process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review induced mutagenesis in bacteria.
  • To examine evidence linking induced mutagenesis to antibiotic resistance evolution.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting induced mutation pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of induced mutagenesis.
  • Analysis of evidence for mutagenesis in bacterial evolution.
  • Discussion of potential therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • Mutagenesis can be induced and regulated, particularly in bacteria.
  • Induced mutagenesis plays a role in the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
  • Targeting induced mutation pathways is a potential strategy against resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Induced mutagenesis is a significant factor in bacterial evolution and drug resistance.
  • Understanding regulated mutagenesis opens avenues for novel therapeutic approaches.
  • Inhibiting induced mutation pathways could combat antibiotic resistance.

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