Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2025
Author Spotlight: Scalable Drug Screening Protocol for Efficient Discovery of M. abscessus Treatments
Published on: October 25, 2024
Small molecule inhibitors of the fosfomycin resistance enzyme FosM from Mycobacterium abscessus
Skye Chiasson1, Tatum Smith1, Landon Bello1
1Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Alabama, 250 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States of America.
Abstract:
Fosfomycin is a safe broad-spectrum antibiotic that has not achieved widespread use because of the emergence of fosfomycin-modifying enzymes. Inhibition of fosfomycin-modifying enzymes could be used to help combat pathogens like Mycobacterium abscessus. Our previous work identified several inhibitors for the enzyme FosB from Staphylococcus aureus. We have tested those same compounds for inhibition of FosM, the fosfomycin-modifying enzyme from M. abscessus. The work described here will be used as the basis for more detailed studies into the inhibition of FosM.
Insights
Fosfomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic hindered by resistance enzymes. Researchers tested existing inhibitors against Mycobacterium abscessus
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Drug Discovery
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fosfomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with potential clinical utility.
- The emergence of fosfomycin-modifying enzymes limits its widespread use.
- Mycobacterium abscessus is a challenging pathogen often requiring effective antibiotic treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate previously identified inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus FosB for their efficacy against FosM, the fosfomycin-modifying enzyme from Mycobacterium abscessus.
- To lay the groundwork for future studies investigating FosM inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized compounds previously found to inhibit FosB from Staphylococcus aureus.
- Tested these compounds for their inhibitory activity against the FosM enzyme from Mycobacterium abscessus.
Main Results:
- The study successfully tested known FosB inhibitors against FosM.
- Preliminary data suggests potential for these compounds in targeting FosM.
Conclusions:
- Compounds that inhibit FosB may also inhibit FosM, offering a potential strategy against Mycobacterium abscessus.
- Further detailed studies are warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of FosM inhibitors.
