Mechanisms of antibiotics inhibiting bacterial RNA polymerase. (15th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mosaei, Hamed; Harbottle, John
• Is Part Of: Biochemical Society transactions. Volume 47:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 339
• Page End: 350
• Publication Date: 2019-01-15
• Subjects: antibiotic resistance -- antibiotics -- mechanism of action of antibiotics -- rifampicin -- RNA polymerase -- transcription; Biochemistry -- Congresses; 572
• DOI: 10.1042/BST20180499
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-5127

Abstract

Abstract : Transcription, the first phase of gene expression, is performed by the multi-subunit RNA polymerase (RNAP). Bacterial RNAP is a validated target for clinical antibiotics. Many natural and synthetic compounds are now known to target RNAP, inhibiting various stages of the transcription cycle. However, very few RNAP inhibitors are used clinically. A detailed knowledge of inhibitors and their mechanisms of action (MOA) is vital for the future development of efficacious antibiotics. Moreover, inhibitors of RNAP are often useful tools with which to dissect RNAP function. Here, we review the MOA of antimicrobial transcription inhibitors.