SmeT

SmeT is a protein that is part of the efflux pump system in bacteria. It is a repressor protein that regulates the expression of the SmeDEF efflux pump in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. This efflux pump is responsible for the extrusion of a wide range of antibiotics, contributing to the multidrug resistance of this bacterium.

Function

The SmeT protein is a local repressor of the SmeDEF efflux pump. It binds to the promoter region of the smeDEF operon, preventing the transcription of the genes and thus the production of the efflux pump. When an antibiotic is present in the cell, it binds to SmeT, causing a conformational change that prevents SmeT from binding to the promoter. This allows the transcription of the smeDEF genes and the production of the efflux pump, which can then extrude the antibiotic from the cell.

Role in Antibiotic Resistance

The SmeDEF efflux pump is one of the mechanisms that contribute to the multidrug resistance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. This bacterium is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. It is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. The SmeDEF efflux pump is able to extrude a wide range of antibiotics, including quinolones, tetracyclines, and chloramphenicol.

Potential for Therapeutic Targeting

Because of its role in antibiotic resistance, the SmeT protein and the SmeDEF efflux pump are potential targets for new therapeutic strategies. Inhibitors of the efflux pump could be used in combination with antibiotics to increase their effectiveness. Alternatively, drugs could be developed that prevent the antibiotic from binding to SmeT, keeping the efflux pump off and allowing the antibiotic to kill the bacterium.

See Also

• Efflux pump
• Antibiotic resistance
• Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

SmeT Resources
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