Structural basis of broad-spectrum β-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.

Broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is a global healthcare burden. In clinical strains, resistance is largely controlled by BlaR1, a receptor that senses β-lactams through the acylation of its sensor domain, inducing transmembrane signalling and activation of the cytoplasmic-facing metalloprotease domain. The metalloprotease domain has a role in BlaI derepression, inducing blaZ (β-lactamase PC1) and mecA (β-lactam-resistant cell-wall transpeptidase PBP2a) expression.