AI Insight
This essay proposes that the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is often accelerated by "resistance potentiators"—specific genes, genetic elements, or biochemical pathways that enable faster adaptation to antibiotics in a trait-specific manner. The authors synthesize evidence from experimental evolution studies, pathogen genomics, and molecular microbiology to demonstrate that closely-related bacterial species can differ substantially in their capacity to evolve resistance due to the presence or absence of these potentiators. Epidemiological data indicates that successful pathogen lineages frequently possess resistance potentiators that modify drug-related phenotypes.
Why it matters
Identifying resistance potentiators could enable the development of combination therapies that pair conventional antibiotics with inhibitors targeting these evolutionary catalysts. This approach may significantly slow or prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance, representing a more evolution-informed strategy for antibiotic stewardship and treatment design.
by R. Craig MacLean, Adam Mulkern, Liam P. Shaw
Why do even closely-related bacteria differ in their capacity to evolve antibiotic resistance? Drawing on evidence from experimental evolution, pathogen genomics, and molecular microbiology, this Essay argues that the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacterial genomes is frequently catalyzed by the presence of ‘resistance potentiators’: genes, elements, or pathways that accelerate evolution in a trait-specific manner. Epidemiological evidence suggests that resistance potentiators that modulate phenotypes have been particularly important in successful pathogen lineages. Furthermore, experimental models show that combining antibiotics with inhibitors of resistance potentiators can restrict the evolution of resistance, suggesting that they could be future drug targets or otherwise lead to more evolution-informed antibiotic therapy.
Source: Resistance potentiators: Evolutionary catalysts of antibiotic resistance