Macrolide esterases: current threats and opportunities

Trends Microbiol. 2023 Dec;31(12):1199-1201. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.08.008. Epub 2023 Sep 8.

Abstract

Antibiotics often contain ester bonds. The macrocyclic lactones of macrolides are pre-eminent examples in which ester bonds are essential to the form and function of antibiotics. Bacterial macrolide esterases that hydrolyze these macrocyclic lactones to confer antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are the topic of this forum. We provide insight into their role in agricultural systems and discuss their emergence and their potential extensibility to bioremediation efforts.

Keywords: antibiotic remediation; antimicrobial resistance; esterase; hydrolase; macrolide.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Esterases*
  • Esters
  • Lactones
  • Macrolides* / chemistry

Substances

  • Macrolides
  • Esterases
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Lactones
  • Esters