New Delhi Metallo‐Beta‐Lactamase Variants NDM‐4 and NDM‐12 from E. coli Clinical Isolates Exhibit Increased Activity and Stability

Abstract

Metallo‐Beta‐Lactamases (MBLs) confer resistance to carbapenems, cephalosporins, and penicillins in several clinically relevant Gram‐negative bacteria including Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and many Enterobacteriaceae. New Delhi Metallo‐Beta‐Lactamases (NDMs) are amongst some of the most worrisome and prevalent MBLs. This family of MBLs is capable of hydrolyzing all generations of bicyclic beta‐lactams. Two new NDM variants, NDM‐4 and ‐12, have recently been identified in E. coli clinical isolates. NDM‐4 contains an M154L substitution while NDM‐12 bears both M154L and G222D mutations. Considering the clinical significance of Gram‐negative species possessing these enzymes, there is a need to characterize the structures and activities of these variants in order to provide a better basis for drug discovery efforts. We have found that NDM‐4 and NDM‐12 possess higher hydrolytic activity compared to NDM‐1. Our differential scanning fluorimetry studies suggest that the M154L mutation confers increased thermal stability and improved affinity for active site catalytic Zn metal ions. The additional G222D mutation of NDM‐12 further improves stability and Zn affinity. M154L, found in the secondary coordination sphere, accounts for changes in stability by acting as a buttress to the loop containing His122, a direct Zn coordinating residue. G222D, on the other hand, is a mutation located in a loop just above the active site approximately 10 Å from the active site zinc ions. Together, our crystal structures of these NDM variants, including the first known structure of NDM‐12, biochemical analyses, and biophysical analyses provide a basis for understanding the roles of key residues surrounding the active site within NDM variants. A better understanding of clinically relevant NDM variants is essential in the fight against MBL‐mediated antibiotic resistance. Our structural, biochemical, and biophysical studies will help to inform drug design efforts to develop new MBL inhibitors.Support or Funding InformationThe authors acknowledge financial support from the US National Institutes of Health (Award No. R01 GM111926 to RCP, DLT, MWC, and WF) and institutional support from Miami University through the Robert H. and Nancy J. Blayney Professorship (to RCP). The Advanced Light Source is supported by the US Department of Energy under contract number DE‐AC03‐76SF00098 at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.