tRNAs as antibiotic targets

Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Dec 25;16(1):321-49. doi: 10.3390/ijms16010321.

Abstract

Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are central players in the protein translation machinery and as such are prominent targets for a large number of natural and synthetic antibiotics. This review focuses on the role of tRNAs in bacterial antibiosis. We will discuss examples of antibiotics that target multiple stages in tRNA biology from tRNA biogenesis and modification, mature tRNAs, aminoacylation of tRNA as well as prevention of proper tRNA function by small molecules binding to the ribosome. Finally, the role of deacylated tRNAs in the bacterial "stringent response" mechanism that can lead to bacteria displaying antibiotic persistence phenotypes will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation / drug effects
  • Peptide Chain Elongation, Translational / drug effects
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / drug effects
  • RNA, Bacterial / chemistry
  • RNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • RNA, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • RNA, Transfer / chemistry
  • RNA, Transfer / genetics
  • RNA, Transfer / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • RNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Transfer