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Understanding the evolution of macrolides resistance: A mini review

Nur Asyura Nor Amdan1, Nur Atikah Shahrulzamri2, Rohaidah Hashim1

  • 1Bacteriology Unit, Infectious Disease Research Centre (IDRC), Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, 40170, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance
|August 8, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Macrolide antibiotics, crucial for medicine, have complex actions beyond blocking protein synthesis. Understanding their full mode of action and bacterial resistance mechanisms is vital to combatting antibiotic resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Macrolides are antibiotics that inhibit bacterial growth by preventing polypeptide elongation during protein biosynthesis.
  • Their mechanism involves binding to the nascent peptide exit tunnel, blocking polypeptide chain passage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the complex mode of action of macrolides, which extends beyond simple polypeptide chain blocking.
  • To review current knowledge on macrolide resistance mechanisms in bacteria.
  • To emphasize the importance of understanding these aspects for mitigating antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and recent findings on macrolide function.
  • Analysis of ribosome profiling (ribo-seq) data.
  • Examination of bacterial resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Macrolides affect individual protein synthesis, indicating a more complex mode of action than previously understood.
  • New findings continue to challenge existing theories on macrolide action, highlighting areas of ongoing research.
  • Understanding macrolide action can guide chemical modifications to improve potency.

Conclusions:

  • This review provides an overview of macrolide antibiotics.
  • It focuses on the latest insights into macrolide mode of action and bacterial resistance strategies.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate macrolide mechanisms and combat resistance.
Keywords:
AmrAntibiotic-resistanceAntibiotic-resistant bacteriaMacrolidesMechanism of resistanceMode of actionRibosome

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