Structure of 50S precursor bound methyltrasferase

Ribosomal methylation is an important modification that is integral for ribosomal biogenesis and serves as a common arsenal utilized by pathogenic bacteria to confer antibiotic resistance. Target alteration can result from the spontaneous mutation of a bacterial gene or can be mediated via modifying enzymes. For example Erythromycin resistance methyltransferases (Erms) specifically mono/dimethylates the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Methylation of the target site by Erms helps the pathogens to develop resistance to several classes of drug moieties. The target base, A2058, is buried deep inside the rRNA scaffold in the mature 50S ribosomal subunit and remains inaccessible to Erms. Deciphering the structure of 50S precursor-Erm complex would help in delineating the targeting mechanism of methyltransferase. in a ribosomal setting. Understanding the targeting determinants can be exploited towards the design of drugs in order to reverse the onset of resistance.