Evolution and Dynamics of Regulatory Architectures Controlling Polymyxin B Resistance in Enteric Bacteria
2008

Understanding Polymyxin B Resistance in Bacteria

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mitrophanov Alexander Y., Jewett Mollie W., Hadley Tricia J., Groisman Eduardo A.

Primary Institution: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America

Hypothesis

What are the evolutionary dynamics of regulatory architectures controlling polymyxin B resistance in enteric bacteria?

Conclusion

The study identifies a novel regulatory architecture that links direct and indirect regulation of polymyxin B resistance in enteric bacteria.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identifies a novel regulatory architecture termed feedforward connector loop.
  • The feedforward connector loop combines features of direct and indirect regulation.
  • Analysis of enteric species suggests the feedforward connector loop is an evolutionary link between regulatory designs.

Takeaway

Bacteria have special systems that help them resist antibiotics like polymyxin B, and this study shows how these systems evolved over time.

Methodology

The study involved analyzing genetic networks and regulatory pathways in various enteric bacteria.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1000233

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