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TetAB

TetAB refers to a tetracycline resistance gene locus found in bacteria, typically comprising two genes, tetA and tetB, that encode tetracycline efflux pumps. The tetAB arrangement is commonly carried on plasmids or transposons, enabling horizontal transfer between species. In some isolates a single tetA or tetB gene may occur, but the paired tetAB configuration is associated with broader or higher-level resistance.

Mechanism and regulation: The TetA and TetB proteins are membrane transporters belonging to the major facilitator

Distribution and impact: tetAB is widespread in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, detected in clinical, agricultural, and

Clinical significance and research: The tetAB locus is a classic example of acquired resistance to tetracyclines

See also: tetracycline resistance, tet genes, efflux pumps, TetR regulators.

superfamily.
They
function
as
efflux
pumps,
using
the
proton
motive
force
to
export
tetracycline
from
the
cell,
thereby
reducing
intracellular
drug
concentration
and
allowing
growth
in
the
presence
of
tetracycline.
Expression
is
often
controlled
by
TetR
family
regulators,
which
repress
transcription
in
the
absence
of
tetracycline
and
derepress
in
its
presence.
environmental
isolates.
The
genes
are
commonly
linked
to
mobile
genetic
elements,
facilitating
dissemination
of
tetracycline
resistance
in
microbial
communities.
and
is
used
in
surveillance
of
antimicrobial
resistance.
Studies
focus
on
regulation
of
expression,
pump
mechanism,
genetic
context,
and
the
potential
for
co-selection
with
other
resistance
determinants.