title: Evolution of the serine beta-lactamases: past, present and future.
abstract: We present a protein structure-based phylogeny of Classes A, C and D of the serine beta-lactamases, and a new, detailed, sequence-based phylogeny of the Class A beta-lactamases. In addition, we discuss the historical evolution of Classes C and D. The evolutionary histories of all three classes indicate that the serine beta-lactamases are ancient enzymes, originating over two billion years ago, and that some have been on plasmids for millions of years. We also discuss the recent, antibiotic-era, evolution of the serine beta-lactamases in response to the clinical use of beta-lactam antibiotics. We also discuss a method that is being used to predict the future evolution of beta-lactamases in response to selection with new drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. drbh@mail.rochester.edu
authors.forename: Barry G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barlow
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001499:Bayes Theorem; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D010802:Phylogeny; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; C054882:beta-lactamase PIT-2; D001618:beta-Lactamases; C034413:beta-lactamase TEM-1