Session: Biocatalysis and Biologically Related Processes:

LpxC, an enzyme essential in the biosynthesis of lipid A in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is an attractive target for the design of novel antibiotics. A previously synthesized compound containing a biphenyl tail and propargylglycine scaffold showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 16 µg/mL but only in the absence of TolC-mediated efflux. In an attempt to avoid efflux, the next generation of compounds with decreased hydrophobicity have been designed. AutoDock Vina was used to determine a preliminary docking score and key interactions within the LpxC active site. Progress toward the synthesis and docking scores of these compounds will be discussed.

Jacob Greenberg

Appearances