Further Characterization ofBacillus subtilisAntibiotic Biosensors and Their Use for Antibacterial Mode-of-Action Studies

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe further examined the usefulness of previously reportedBacillus subtilisbiosensors for antibacterial mode-of-action studies. The biosensors could not detect the tRNA synthetase inhibitors mupirocin, indolmycin, and borrelidin, some inhibitors of peptidoglycan synthesis, and most membrane-damaging agents. However, the biosensors confirmed the modes of action of several RNA polymerase inhibitors and DNA intercalators and provided new insights into the possible modes of action of ciprofloxacin, anhydrotetracycline, corralopyronin, 8-hydroxyquinoline, and juglone.