Recombinant Escherichia coli MCR-1 Protein，His & SUMO

MCR-1 (mobilized colistin resistance-1) is a plasmid-mediated gene that confers resistance to colistin, one of the last-resort antibiotics used to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. First identified in Enterobacteriaceae in 2015, MCR-1 represents a significant public health threat as it facilitates the spread of colistin resistance among various bacterial species, complicating treatment options for severe infections. The gene encodes a phosphoethanolamine transferase, which modifies the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharides in the bacterial membrane, thereby reducing the binding affinity of colistin. The emergence of MCR-1 and its subsequent variants highlights the urgent need for genomic surveillance, as well as the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Research into MCR-1 involves understanding its mechanisms of resistance, assessing its prevalence in clinical and environmental isolates, and exploring the potential for plasmid co-carriage with other resistance genes. The implications of MCR-1 extend beyond individual patient care, as its presence in the microbiome and food supply underscores the complexity of antibiotic resistance as a global public health concern. Scientists are focused on elucidating the genetic and biochemical pathways involved in MCR-1 function and propagation, which may guide the design of novel inhibitors or alternative therapeutic options. Given the critical role of colistin in treating infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria, ongoing research into MCR-1 is vital for addressing the rising tide of antibiotic resistance and safeguarding the efficacy of existing antibiotics.