Bacterial Transpeptidase (PBP)

Bacterial transpeptidases are enzymes crucial for the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a major structural component of bacterial cell walls. They catalyze the cross-linking of peptide chains attached to peptidoglycan monomers. Beta-lactam antibiotics target these enzymes, but bacteria can develop resistance through the production of beta-lactamases. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that restores the efficacy of beta-lactam antibiotics.

Other names

Penicillin-binding proteinPBPPeptidoglycan transpeptidaseD-Ala-D-Ala transpeptidase

Beta-lactam antibiotics acylate the active site serine irreversibly, blocking enzyme function. Clavulanic acid inhibits beta-lactamases, protecting beta-lactam antibiotics from degradation.