Analysis of potassium (K+) efflux systems (Kef) as an antibiotic target in pathogenic bacteria

Thesis

Potassium (K⁺) efflux systems (Kef) are K⁺/H⁺ antiporters found in most Gram-negative bacteria. Kef systems play a vital role in the protection of bacteria from toxic electrophiles by regulating cytoplasmic pH and consequently demonstrate potential as an antibiotic target. Kef is inhibited by glutathione (γ-L-Glu-L-Cys-Gly, GSH) and activated by glutathione S conjugates (GSX). The proposed model of Kef activation in both EcKefC, from Escherichi...

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Authors: Haslam, C

• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: pathogen; glutathione S-conjugate; efflux; antiporter; dipeptides; chemical probes; potassium; Kef; glutathione; bacteria; antibiotic
• Subjects: Organic Chemistry; Biochemistry; Medicinal Chemistry; Biological Chemistry; Chemical Biology