A molecular target for suppression of the evolution of antibiotic resistance:: Inhibition of the Escherichia coli RecA protein by N6-(1-naphthyl)-ADP

We report that N-6-(1-naphthyl)-ADP (1) inhibits the Escherichia coli RecA protein in vitro. A novel rapid screen identified 1 as a potent inhibitor of RecA nucleoprotein filament formation, and further characterization established 1 as an ATP-competitive inhibitor of RecA-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis. 1 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.