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Related Concept Videos

Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis01:23

Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis

Bacterial cell walls are typically rigid structures composed mainly of peptidoglycan, a mesh-like polymer that provides mechanical strength and maintains cell shape. The synthesis of peptidoglycan is a crucial process in bacterial growth and serves as a primary target for many antibiotics.Mechanism of Action of Beta-Lactam AntibioticsBeta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis in actively growing cells. These antibiotics share a characteristic four-membered...
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Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly01:19

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
12:58

A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: May 25, 2017

Novel inhibitors of surface layer processing in Clostridium difficile.

T H Tam Dang1, Robert P Fagan, Neil F Fairweather

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW72AZ, United Kingdom.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
|July 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed protease inhibitors to target Clostridium difficile S-layer processing. These inhibitors show promise for combating hospital-acquired infections caused by this bacterium.

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Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment
11:13

Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment

Published on: September 14, 2013

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Last Updated: May 31, 2026

A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
12:58

A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment

Published on: May 25, 2017

Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment
11:13

Culturing and Maintaining Clostridium difficile in an Anaerobic Environment

Published on: September 14, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Clostridium difficile is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Its surface layer (S-layer) is crucial for protection and host interactions.
  • S-layer proteins are processed by the Cwp84 protease from a SlpA precursor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and synthesize protease inhibitors and activity-based probes (ABPs).
  • To target S-layer protein processing in live C. difficile cells.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies against C. difficile.

Main Methods:

  • Design and synthesis of substrate-mimetic peptide inhibitors.
  • Incorporation of a C-terminal Michael acceptor warhead.
  • In vivo characterization in live C. difficile cells.

Main Results:

  • A panel of protease inhibitors and ABPs were successfully designed and synthesized.
  • Inhibitors demonstrated potential in targeting S-layer processing.
  • Substrate-mimetic peptides with Michael acceptors showed promise.

Conclusions:

  • Protease inhibitors targeting Cwp84 are a viable strategy against C. difficile.
  • Developed inhibitors show potential for further development.
  • This research contributes to novel therapeutic approaches for C. difficile infections.