Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Simple Signal Spurs Complex Process of Fixing Cell Walls

This article from the New York times talks about a specific protein that is responsible for the regeneration of cell walls in E. coli bacteria. Apparently, bacteria can break down cell walls, in response to an immune attack by a host organism. this is thought to be done as a defense mechanism so that the bacteria could remain undetected by antibodies and white blood cells that may be drawn to specific identifiers on the cell walls. Whats remarkable is that the cell walls regenerate after a few generations of bacteria reproducing as little blobs. The protein responsible for controlling the enzymes that rebuild the cell walls is called MreB and without this protein, the E. Coli did not build the walls again.

The uses of this protein and implications of this discovery are not clear yet, but I can imagine some better treatments regarding different types of bacteria that can change their identity to hide from immune system responses. Also, inducing the destruction of the cell wall by eliminating this protein could lead to new treatment options as well.

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