Enrofloxacin hcl (CAS 112732-17-9)

Enrofloxacin HCl, a hydrochloride salt form of enrofloxacin, is primarily utilized in biochemical research for its potent antibacterial properties, specifically targeting Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. It operates by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes crucial for DNA replication, transcription, and repair, leading to the disruption of bacterial DNA processes and ultimately cell death. This mechanism offers a valuable model for studying bacterial resistance and DNA repair pathways in a controlled research environment. Enrofloxacin HCl has been extensively used in molecular biology to explore the dynamics of bacterial adaptation and mutation under antibiotic stress. Researchers leverage this compound to investigate the genetic and molecular bases of antibiotic resistance, often using enrofloxacin HCl as a selective pressure in mutagenesis studies. This aids in understanding how bacteria evolve resistance to fluoroquinolones and what genetic markers are indicative of this resistance. Furthermore, its role in inducing bacterial SOS response—a stress response to DNA damage—provides insights into bacterial survival strategies and can inform broader research on stress responses in other microorganisms. By examining these mechanisms, scientists can better understand bacterial pathogenesis and develop strategies to mitigate resistance in environmental and industrial settings.