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mcr gene family evolution and structural mechanisms of colistin resistance: from mcr-1 to emerging variants

Muhammad Shahid Mehmood1, Uthpala Kavindi Rupasinghe Koggala Marakkalage2, Tabish Arif3

  • 1University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan.

Archives of Microbiology
|February 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The mcr gene family causes plasmid-mediated colistin resistance, threatening public health by reducing antibiotic effectiveness. Combating this requires global surveillance and research to control the spread of these resistance genes.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The mcr gene family confers plasmid-mediated colistin resistance, a critical threat to treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic, and its efficacy is compromised by mcr genes, which have rapidly emerged globally since 2015.
  • These genes modify bacterial lipid A, hindering colistin binding and leading to resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution, genetic mechanisms, and structural characteristics of the mcr gene family.
  • To discuss the global spread of mcr genes in human, animal, and environmental settings.
  • To highlight clinical implications, epidemiology, detection, and control strategies for mcr-mediated resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications on the mcr gene family.
  • Analysis of genetic mechanisms, structural characteristics, and evolutionary pathways.
  • Synthesis of epidemiological data and detection methods.

Main Results:

  • The mcr gene family, including variants mcr-1 to mcr-10, confers colistin resistance through lipid A modification.
  • Mcr genes are plasmid-located, facilitating horizontal gene transfer across diverse bacterial species and environments.
  • Co-occurrence of mcr with other resistance genes complicates treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Combating mcr-mediated colistin resistance necessitates enhanced global surveillance and inter-sectoral collaboration.
  • Continued research into novel detection methods, inhibitors, and gene-editing technologies is crucial.
  • A coordinated global effort is essential to mitigate the spread and impact of mcr resistance.
Keywords:
Mcr gene familyAntimicrobial resistance (AMR)Colistin resistanceHorizontal gene transferLipid A modificationPlasmid-mediated resistance

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