Genetic basis for activity differences between vancomycin and glycolipid derivatives of vancomycin

Small molecules that affect specific protein functions can be valuable tool s for dissecting complex cellular processes. Peptidoglycan synthesis and de gradation is a process in bacteria that involves multiple enzymes under str ict temporal and spatial regulation. We used a set of small molecules that inhibit the transglycosylation step of peptidoglycan synthesis to discover genes that help to regulate this process. We identified a gene responsible for the susceptibility of Escherichia coil cells to killing by glycolipid d erivatives of vancomycin, thus establishing a genetic basis for activity di fferences between these compounds and vancomycin.