Bacterial production of carbapenems and clavams: evolution of beta-lactam antibiotic pathways

Trends Microbiol. 1998 May;6(5):203-8. doi: 10.1016/s0966-842x(98)01251-7.

Abstract

Research into two of the four classes of naturally produced beta-lactams--the clavams and carbapenems--has started to throw light upon their biochemical pathways and underlying genetics. Interesting similarities between these two classes, from their joint discovery to an apparently common beta-lactam ring-forming enzyme, are now being revealed.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / metabolism*
  • Carbapenems / chemistry
  • Carbapenems / metabolism*
  • Clavulanic Acids / chemistry
  • Clavulanic Acids / metabolism
  • beta-Lactams / chemistry
  • beta-Lactams / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Carbapenems
  • Clavulanic Acids
  • beta-Lactams

Associated data

  • GENBANK/U17224