Internalization of Antibiotics by the Multi-Resistant Bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii through the CarO Outer Membrane Porin. †

Key Points

• This research aims to investigate how the antibiotic resistance mechanisms in Acinetobacter baumannii function at a molecular level, particularly focusing on the CarO outer membrane porin.
• Conducted all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of CarO protein
• Utilized enhanced sampling techniques to observe antibiotic dynamics in the membrane
• Analyzed protein interactions and structural changes upon antibiotic exposure.
• Identified significant conformational changes in the CarO porin during antibiotic interaction
• Demonstrated that the porin facilitates the entry of antibiotics into the bacteria
• Revealed insights into the mechanisms underlying multi-drug resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii.