Targeting bacteria's antibiotic-resistant barrier

Scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA) have discovered what they believe to be an Achilles heel in the defensive barrier which surrounds drug-resistant bacterial cells.

The researchers investigated Gram-negative bacteria, which is particularly resistant to antibiotics because of its cells’ impermeable lipid-based outer membrane. The membrane acts as a defensive barrier against attacks from the human immune system and antibiotic drugs - but removing this barrier causes the bacteria to become more vulnerable and die.

The new findings, published in the journal Nature, reveal how bacterial cells transport the barrier building blocks (called lipopolysaccharides) to the outer surface. Professor Changjiang Dong, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said the team has “identified the path and gate used by the bacteria to transport the barrier building blocks to the outer surface”.

“Importantly, we have demonstrated that the bacteria would die if the gate is locked,” he said.

Image credit: Diamond Light Source.

The breakthrough comes at a crucial time, with the World Health Organization warning that antibiotic resistance in bacteria is spreading globally and even common infections which have been treatable for decades can once again kill.

The lead author on the study, PhD student Haohao Dong, said the research will enable the development of new drugs which will “specifically target the protective barrier around the bacteria, rather than the bacteria itself”.

“Because new drugs will not need to enter the bacteria itself, we hope that the bacteria will not be able to develop drug resistance in future.”

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