Fluorogenic Probes/Inhibitors of β‐Lactamase and their Applications in Drug‐Resistant Bacteria

β‐Lactam antibiotics are generally perceived as one of the greatest inventions of the 20^th century, and these small molecular compounds have saved millions of lives. However, upon clinical application of antibiotics, the β‐lactamase secreted by pathogenic bacteria can lead to the gradual development of drug resistance. β‐Lactamase is a hydrolase that can efficiently hydrolyze and destroy β‐lactam antibiotics. It develops and spreads rapidly in pathogens, and the drug‐resistant bacteria pose a severe threat to human health and development. As a result, detecting and inhibiting the activities of β‐lactamase are of great value for the rational use of antibiotics and the treatment of infectious diseases. At present, many specific detection methods and inhibitors of β‐lactamase have been developed and applied in clinical practice. In this Minireview, we describe the resistance mechanism of bacteria producing β‐lactamase and further summarize the fluorogenic probes, inhibitors of β‐lactamase, and their applications in the treatment of infectious diseases. It may be valuable to design fluorogenic probes with improved selectivity, sensitivity, and effectiveness to further identify the inhibitors for β‐lactamases and eventually overcome bacterial resistance.     

A Self‐Immobilizing and Fluorogenic Probe for β‐Lactamase Detection

The spread of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria has become one of the major concerns to public health. Improved monitoring of drug resistance is of high importance for infectious disease control. One of the major mechanisms for bacteria to overcome treatment of antibiotics is the production of β‐lactamases, which are enzymes that hydrolyze the β‐lactam ring of the antibiotic. In this study, we have developed a self‐immobilizing and fluorogenic probe for the detection of β‐lactamase activity. This fluorogenic reagent, upon activation by β‐lactamases, turns on a fluorescence signal and, more importantly, generates a covalent linkage to the target enzymes or the nearby proteins. The covalent labeling of enzymes was confirmed by SDS‐PAGE analysis and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The utility of this structurally simple probe was further confirmed by the fluorescent labeling of a range of β‐lactamase‐expressing bacteria.     

Muropeptides in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their Role as Elicitors of β‐Lactam‐Antibiotic Resistance

Muropeptides are a group of bacterial natural products generated from the cell wall in the course of its turnover. These compounds are cell‐wall recycling intermediates and are also involved in signaling within the bacterium. However, the identity of these signaling molecules remains elusive. The identification and characterization of 20 muropeptides from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is described. The least abundant of these metabolites is present at 100 and the most abundant at 55,000 molecules per bacterium. Analysis of these muropeptides under conditions of induction of resistance to a β‐lactam antibiotic identified two signaling muropeptides (N‐acetylglucosamine‐1,6‐anhydro‐N‐acetylmuramyl pentapeptide and 1,6‐anhydro‐N‐acetylmuramyl pentapeptide). Authentic synthetic samples of these metabolites were shown to activate expression of β‐lactamase in the absence of any β‐lactam antibiotic, thus indicating that they serve as chemical signals in this complex biochemical pathway.     

Iron(III) Located in the Dinuclear Metallo‐β‐Lactamase IMP‐1 by Pseudocontact Shifts

Heterodinuclear metalloenzymes are an important class of metalloproteins, but determining the location of the different metal ions can be difficult. Herein we present a new NMR spectroscopy method that uses pseudocontact shifts (PCS) to achieve this without assumptions about the coordinating ligands. The approach is illustrated with the dinuclear [FeZn] complex of IMP‐1, which is a prototypical metallo‐β‐lactamase (MβL) that confers resistance to β‐lactam antibiotics. Results from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction were compromised by degradation during crystallization. With [GaZn]‐IMP‐1 as diamagnetic reference, the PCSs unambiguously identified the iron binding site in fresh samples of [FeZn]‐IMP‐1, even though the two metal centers are less than 3.8 Å apart and the iron is high‐spin Fe³⁺, which produces only small PCSs. [FeZn]‐MβLs may be important drug targets, as [FeZn]‐IMP‐1 is enzymatically active and readily produced in the presence of small amounts of Fe³⁺.     

A Covalent Reporter of β‐Lactamase Activity for Fluorescent Imaging and Rapid Screening of Antibiotic‐Resistant Bacteria

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses a great clinical challenge in fighting serious infectious diseases due to complicated resistant mechanisms and time‐consuming testing methods. Chemical reaction‐directed covalent labeling of resistance‐associated bacterial proteins in the context of a complicated environment offers great opportunity for the in‐depth understanding of the biological basis conferring drug resistance, and for the development of effective diagnostic approaches. In the present study, three fluorogenic reagents LRBL1–3 for resistant bacteria labeling have been designed and prepared on the basis of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The hydrolyzed probes could act as reactive electrophiles to attach the enzyme, β‐lactamase, and thus facilitated the covalent labeling of drug resistant bacterial strains. SDS electrophoresis and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry characterization confirmed that these probes were sensitive and specific to β‐lactamase and could therefore serve for covalent and localized fluorescence labeling of the enzyme structure. Moreover, this β‐lactamase‐induced covalent labeling provides quantitative analysis of the resistant bacterial population (down to 5 %) by high resolution flow cytometry, and allows single‐cell detection and direct observation of bacterial enzyme activity in resistant pathogenic species. This approach offers great promise for clinical investigations and microbiological research.     

Quantum chemical study of several monocyclic complex β‐lactam C‐3, C‐4, and N‐derivatives,and β‐ring model molecules

A quantum chemical study of several complex monocyclic 4‐benzoyl‐4‐phenyl‐β‐lactam derivatives was carried out using cyclobutane, azetidine, 2‐azetidinone, 1‐methyl‐2‐azetidinone, and 3‐methyl‐2‐azetidinone as model compounds. The optimum geometry was obtained for the different conformations. The planarity of the ring was discussed in terms of the influence of the substituents on the amide resonance. To better analyze the amide resonance and the activity of the β‐lactam ring, a vibrational study was also carried out. To examine the influence of solvent polarity on the carbonyl bands, the Fourier transform–infrared (FT‐IR) spectra of the β‐lactam monocyclic derivatives were recorded in CCl₄, C₆H₆, and CHCl₃ solutions. The normal vibrations of the β‐lactam ring in the model compounds were characterized and used in the analysis of the β‐ring of more complex derivatives. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2002     

12‐ to 22‐Membered Bridged β‐Lactams as Potential Penicillin‐Binding Protein Inhibitors

As potential inhibitors of penicillin‐binding proteins (PBPs), we focused our research on the synthesis of non‐traditional 1,3‐bridged β‐lactams embedded into macrocycles. We synthesized 12‐ to 22‐membered bicyclic β‐lactams by the ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) of bis‐ω‐alkenyl‐3(S)‐aminoazetidinone precursors. The reactivity of 1,3‐bridged β‐lactams was estimated by the determination of the energy barrier of a concerted nucleophilic attack and lactam ring‐opening process by using ab initio calculations. The results predicted that 16‐membered cycles should be more reactive. Biochemical evaluations against R39 DD‐peptidase and two resistant PBPs, namely, PBP2a and PBP5, revealed the inhibition effect of compound 4d , which featured a 16‐membered bridge and the N‐tert‐butyloxycarbonyl chain at the C3 position of the β‐lactam ring. Surprisingly, the corresponding bicycle, 12d , with the PhOCH₂CO side chain at C3 was inactive. Reaction models of the R39 active site gave a new insight into the geometric requirements of the conformation of potential ligands and their steric hindrance; this could help in the design of new compounds.     

A Minimal β‐Lactone Fragment for Selective β5c or β5i Proteasome Inhibitors

Broad‐spectrum proteasome inhibitors are applied as anticancer drugs, whereas selective blockage of the immunoproteasome represents a promising therapeutic rationale for autoimmune diseases. We here aimed at identifying minimal structural elements that confer β5c or β5i selectivity on proteasome inhibitors. Based on the natural product belactosin C, we synthesized two β‐lactones featuring a dimethoxybenzyl moiety and either a methylpropyl (pseudo‐isoleucin) or an isopropyl (pseudo‐valine) P1 side chain. Although the two compounds differ only by one methyl group, the isoleucine analogue is six times more potent for β5i (IC₅₀=14 nM ) than the valine counterpart. Cell culture experiments demonstrate the cell‐permeability of the compounds and X‐ray crystallography data highlight them as minimal fragments that occupy primed and non‐primed pockets of the active sites of the proteasome. Together, these results qualify β‐lactones as a promising lead‐structure motif for potent nonpeptidic proteasome inhibitors with diverse pharmaceutical applications.     

19F‐NMR Reveals the Role of Mobile Loops in Product and Inhibitor Binding by the São Paulo Metallo‐β‐Lactamase

Resistance to β‐lactam antibiotics mediated by metallo‐β‐lactamases (MBLs) is a growing problem. We describe the use of protein‐observe ¹⁹F‐NMR (PrOF NMR) to study the dynamics of the São Paulo MBL (SPM‐1) from β‐lactam‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Cysteinyl variants on the α3 and L3 regions, which flank the di‐Zn^II active site, were selectively ¹⁹F‐labeled using 3‐bromo‐1,1,1‐trifluoroacetone. The PrOF NMR results reveal roles for the mobile α3 and L3 regions in the binding of both inhibitors and hydrolyzed β‐lactam products to SPM‐1. These results have implications for the mechanisms and inhibition of MBLs by β‐lactams and non‐β‐lactams and illustrate the utility of PrOF NMR for efficiently analyzing metal chelation, identifying new binding modes, and studying protein binding from a mixture of equilibrating isomers.     

Gold‐Catalyzed Cyclization Leads to a Bridged Tetracyclic Indolenine that Represses β‐Lactam Resistance

A gold‐catalyzed desilylative cyclization was developed for facile synthesis of bridged tetracyclic indolenines, a common motif in many natural indole alkaloids. An antimicrobial screen of the cyclization products identified one compound which selectively potentiates β‐lactam antibiotics in methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and re‐sensitizes a variety of MRSA strains to β‐lactams.     

Chemical Reactivity of Oxo‐ and Aza‐γ‐lactam Rings

Different mechanisms for the alkaline hydrolysis of oxo and aza‐γ‐lactam rings have been studied by ab initio calculations at the MP2/6‐31+G*//MP2/6‐31+G* and B3LYP/6‐31+G*//B3LYP/6‐31+G* levels. The tetrahedral intermediate can undergo two different reactions, the cleavage of the C₂−N₂ bond (the classical mechanism) and the cleavage of the C₂−X₆ bond (X=O, N). Both compounds present similar energy barriers for the classical fragmentation, and show considerably lower barriers for the alternative mechanism. Because of this reactivity, the compounds studied are expected to be β‐lactamase inhibitors.     

A β‐Lactamase‐Imprinted Responsive Hydrogel for the Treatment of Antibiotic‐Resistant Bacteria

Antibiotics play important roles in infection treatment and prevention. However, the effectiveness of antibiotics is now threatened by the prevalence of drug‐resistant bacteria. Furthermore, antibiotic abuse and residues in the environment cause serious health issues. In this study, a stimuli‐responsive imprinted hydrogel was fabricated by using β‐lactamase produced by bacteria for deactivating antibiotics as the template molecule. The imprinted hydrogel could initially trap β‐lactamase excreted by drug‐resistant bacteria, thus making bacteria sensitive to antibiotics. After the bactericidal treatment, the “imprinted sites” on the hydrogel could be reversibly abolished with a temperature stimulus, which resulted in the reactivation of β‐lactamase to degrade antibiotic residues. We also present an example of the use of this antibacterial design to treat wound infection.     

Carbamoyl Radical‐Mediated Synthesis and Semipinacol Rearrangement of β‐Lactam Diols

In an approach to the biologically important 6‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring system, the scope of the tandem 4‐exo‐trig carbamoyl radical cyclization—dithiocarbamate group transfer reaction to ring‐fused β‐lactams is evaluated. β‐Lactams fused to five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered rings are prepared in good to excellent yield, and with moderate to complete control at the newly formed dithiocarbamate stereocentre. No cyclization is observed with an additional methyl substituent on the terminus of the double bond. Elimination of the dithiocarbamate group gives α,β‐ or β,γ‐unsaturated lactams depending on both the methodology employed (base‐mediated or thermal) and the nature of the carbocycle fused to the β‐lactam. Fused β‐lactam diols, obtained from catalytic OsO₄‐mediated dihydroxylation of α,β‐unsaturated β‐lactams, undergo semipinacol rearrangement via the corresponding cyclic sulfite or phosphorane to give keto‐bridged bicyclic amides by exclusive N‐acyl group migration. A monocyclic β‐lactam diol undergoes Appel reaction at a primary alcohol in preference to semipinacol rearrangement. Preliminary investigations into the chemo‐ and stereoselective manipulation of the two carbonyl groups present in a representative 7,8‐dioxo‐6‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane rearrangement product are also reported.     

Total Synthesis and Structural Reassignment of Aspergillomarasmine A

The increase and spread of Gram‐negative bacteria that resistant are to almost all currently available β‐lactam antibiotics is a major global health problem. The primary cause for drug resistance is the acquisition of metallo‐β‐lactamases such as metallo‐β‐lactamase‐1 (NDM‐1). The fungal natural product aspergillomarasmine A (AMA), a fungal natural product, is an inhibitor of NDM‐1 and has shown promising in vivo therapeutic potential in a mouse model infected with NDM‐1‐expressing Gram‐negative bacteria. The first total synthesis and stereochemical configuration reassignment of aspergillomarasmine A is reported. The synthesis highlights a flexible route and an effective strategy to achieve the required oxidation state at a late stage. This modular route is amenable to the efficient preparation of analogues for the development of metallo‐β‐lactamase inhibitors to potentiate β‐lactam antibiotics.     

Tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethene and Isomeric α,β‐Unsaturated γ‐Lactam Embedded N‐Confused Tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethenes

The condensation reaction of α,α′‐dihydroxy‐1,3‐diisopropylbenzene, pyrrole, and an aldehyde leads to the formation of tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethene and outer α‐pyrrolic carbon oxygenated N‐confused tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethenes containing a γ‐lactam ring in the macrocycle. Two isomers with the carbonyl group of the lactam ring either close to (O‐Up) or away from (O‐Down) the neighboring sp³ meso carbon were synthesized and characterized. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis on the regular and γ‐lactam containing tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethenes showed highly distorted macrocycles for all compounds. For O‐Up and O‐Down isomers, dimeric structures, assembling by intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions through lactam rings, were observed in the solid state. Fitting the concentration dependent chemical shifts of the outer NH proton using the non‐linear regression method give a maximum association constant of 108.9 M ^?1 for the meso 4‐methylcarboxyphenyl substituted O‐Down isomer. The DFT calculations concluded that the O‐Up isomer is energetically more stable, and the keto form is more stable than the enol form.     

N‐(p‐Chloro­phenyl)‐3,3‐di­phenyl‐4‐(β‐phenyl­styryl)azetidin‐2‐one

In the title compound, C₃₅H₂₆ClNO, the four‐membered β‐lactam ring is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.012 (1) Å for the N atom. The C—C bond lengths in the β‐lactam ring are 1.591 (2) and 1.549 (2) Å. The two phenyl rings attached to the β‐lactam ring are nearly perpendicular to each other [83.2 (1)°].     

Chemoselective Synthesis of β‐Amino Ester or β‐Lactam via Sonochemical Reformatsky Reaction

A series of β‐amino esters were synthesized by the reaction of N‐tosyl aldimine or N‐hydroxy aldimine with bromoacetate by sonochemical Reformatsky reaction. The β‐N‐hydroxyamino ester was obtained and the formed sensitive hydroxylamino functionality was resistant under the reaction condition. The β‐lactam also was synthesized by the reaction of N‐p‐methoxy aldimine as reacting substrate under this sonochemical Reformatsky reaction condition.     

An Antibacterial β‐Lactone Kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Disrupting Mycolic Acid Biosynthesis

The spread of antibiotic resistance is a major challenge for the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. In addition, the efficacy of drugs is often limited by the restricted permeability of the mycomembrane. Frontline antibiotics inhibit mycomembrane biosynthesis, leading to rapid cell death. Inspired by this mechanism, we exploited β‐lactones as putative mycolic acid mimics to block serine hydrolases involved in their biosynthesis. Among a collection of β‐lactones, we found one hit with potent anti‐mycobacterial and bactericidal activity. Chemical proteomics using an alkynylated probe identified Pks13 and Ag85 serine hydrolases as major targets. Validation through enzyme assays and customized ¹³C metabolite profiling showed that both targets are functionally impaired by the β‐lactone. Co‐administration with front‐line antibiotics enhanced the potency against M. tuberculosis by more than 100‐fold, thus demonstrating the therapeutic potential of targeting mycomembrane biosynthesis serine hydrolases.     

Selective Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Carbonylation of Methylene β‐C−H Bonds in Aliphatic Amines

Palladium(II)‐catalyzed C−H carbonylation reactions of methylene C−H bonds in secondary aliphatic amines lead to the formation of trans ‐disubstituted β‐lactams in excellent yields and selectivities. The generality of the C−H carbonylation process is aided by the action of xantphos‐based ligands and is important in securing good yields for the β‐lactam products.     

Synthesis of Novel β‐Lactams from Phenothiazin‐10‐ylacetic Acid

The first synthesis of 3‐phenothiazine‐β‐lactams is herein reported. Thirteen new derivatives of β‐lactams were synthesized using various Schiff bases and (phenothiazin‐10‐yl)acetic acid, which in turn was prepared starting from phenothiazine. The sole product of the Staudinger ketene–imine [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction is the trans‐β‐lactam. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses and spectral (IR, ¹H‐NMR, and ¹³C‐NMR) data.