New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) (NDM-1)

New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1 (NDM-1) is a zinc-dependent enzyme produced by certain bacteria that confers resistance to a broad range of beta-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, which are often considered last-resort treatments (UniProt P0C7M1). First identified in 2008, it has since spread globally, primarily among Enterobacteriaceae like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli (CDC, 2019). The enzyme functions by hydrolyzing the amide bond of the beta-lactam ring, rendering the antibiotic inactive (PubMed: 21148006). Because NDM-1 is often carried on highly mobile plasmids along with other resistance genes, it poses a significant threat to public health by creating superbugs that are difficult to treat (WHO, 2020). Current research focuses on developing novel metallo-beta-lactamase inhibitors, such as taniborbactam and xeruborbactam, to be used in combination with existing antibiotics to overcome this resistance mechanism (PubMed: 31533983).

Other names

Carbapenemase NDM-1Metallo-beta-lactamase NDM-1blaNDM-1

Inhibition of the enzyme's catalytic activity, typically through zinc chelation or active site binding, to restore the efficacy of beta-lactam antibiotics.