Sequences of homologous beta-lactamases from clinical isolates of Serratia marcescens with different substrate specificities.

Genes for two group 1 beta-lactamases, SRT-1 and SST-1, were sequenced. These beta-lactamases were produced by clinical isolates of Serratia marcescens, isolates GN16694 and GN19450, respectively. The resulting enzymes were 96% identical. SRT-1 hydrolyzed oxyimino cephalosporins, but SST-1 hardly hydrolyzed them. At residue 213 in the third motif, which is conserved among group 1 beta-lactamases, SRT-1 and SST-1 had Lys and Glu, respectively. By site-directed mutagenesis, the substitution of Glu by Lys at residue 213 in SST-1 resulted in an enzyme that hydrolyzed oxyimino cephalosporins.