From resistance genes to resistance states and enzymatic context-dependence in antimicrobial resistance.

Resistance genes can produce different phenotypes depending on environmental and physiological context, indicating resistance as a state rather than solely gene presence.

• Why it matters: Understanding the true nature of antimicrobial resistance is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as reliance on gene detection alone may overlook functional variability.
• What they did: The authors argue that resistance should be viewed as a context-dependent functional state influenced by factors like microenvironment, enzyme kinetics, antibiotic exposure, and bacterial physiology.
• The result: This perspective suggests that resistance phenotypes are dynamic and context-specific, which may impact how resistance is assessed and managed in clinical and research settings.