A molecular target for suppression of the evolution of antibiotic resistance: inhibition of the Escherichia coli RecA protein by N(6)-(1-naphthyl)-ADP.

We report that N(6)-(1-naphthyl)-ADP inhibits the Escherichia coli RecA protein in vitro. A novel rapid screen identified it as a potent inhibitor of RecA nucleoprotein filament formation, and further characterization established it as an ATP-competitive inhibitor of RecA-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis. This and other inhibitors of RecA activities represent a new approach for understanding the molecular targets and pathways involved in the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.