Drug interactions and the evolution of antibiotic resistance

Abstract

Using large-scale, systems biology approaches, we can now systematically map synergistic and antagonistic interactions between drugs. Consequently, drug antagonism is providing us with insight into the functions and relatedness of cellular components, mechanisms of drug action and novel ways to inhibit the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Large-scale, systems biology approaches now allow us to systematically map synergistic and antagonistic interactions between drugs. Consequently, drug antagonism is emerging as a powerful tool to study biological function and relatedness between cellular components as well as to uncover mechanisms of drug action. Furthermore, theoretical models and new experiments suggest that antagonistic interactions between antibiotics can counteract the evolution of drug resistance.