Ribosome and DNA-handling enzyme

Ribosome and DNA-handling enzyme is a collective term for two of the most significant classes of molecular targets in antimicrobial pharmacology. The ribosome is a large ribonucleoprotein complex that serves as the site of protein synthesis, consisting of the 30S and 50S subunits in bacteria [1]. DNA-handling enzymes, primarily DNA gyrase (Topoisomerase II) and Topoisomerase IV, are essential for maintaining the topological structure of DNA during replication and transcription [2]. Antibiotics such as macrolides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides target the ribosome to inhibit translation, while fluoroquinolones target DNA-handling enzymes to prevent DNA replication and induce cell death [3][4]. These targets are fundamental to bacterial survival and are the focus of treatments for a wide range of infectious diseases [5]. However, the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains remains a critical challenge to the efficacy of drugs targeting these systems [6].

Other names

Bacterial ribosomeDNA gyraseTopoisomerase IV30S ribosomal subunit50S ribosomal subunitType II topoisomeraseDNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolyzing)

Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis via binding to ribosomal subunits (30S or 50S) and inhibition of DNA replication and transcription via binding to DNA gyrase or topoisomerase IV.