Antibiotics resistance: Researchers succeed to block genes                                               of  resistance

                         

      

              Antibiotics are used daily around the world to cure diseases caused by bacteria. However, bacteria antibiotic resistance is increasing rapidly. This is a major concern because antibiotics are used on a such a broad spectrum, from taking pills for strep throat to a prophylactic treatment during surgeries. An article by ScienceDaily explains a new approach researchers are taking in attempt to find a solution for this problem. Antibiotic resistance genes are spread from bacteria to bacteria from plasmids. Plasmids carry useful genes that encode for proteins that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics. A team of scientist at UdeM's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine are looking at a new approach to block transfer of resistance genes. TraE protein is essential component of the plasmid transfer machinery. Researchers were able to find the exact binding site of these molecules on TraE  and this enabled them to design an inhibitor that results in less transfer of the antibiotic resistance gene. As of right now, scientist are in the process of creating a more powerful inhibitor. They hope to soon see their work being used in clinics in the hospitals one day.