IIT Roorkee Researchers Decode Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms; Check Details Here

The IIT Roorkee study uncovers that the bacterial protein L, D-transpeptidase A (LdtA) enables bacteria to evade rod complex-targeting antibiotics like mecillinam.

IIT Roorkee Researchers Decode Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance

A recent study conducted by the research group led by Prof. Ranjana Pathania at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has uncovered significant insights into bacterial resistance mechanisms. The study identifies a specific bacterial protein, L,D-transpeptidase A (LdtA), as a crucial factor that enables bacteria to evade the effects of antibiotics targeting the rod complex, including mecillinam.

Mecillinam is a widely used antibiotic, particularly effective in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by E. coli. However, the research highlights that when LdtA levels are elevated, bacteria can develop resistance to this critical antibiotic, rendering it less effective. These findings pave the way for deeper understanding to overcome antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections.

This study underscores the critical need to understand the mechanisms behind bacterial resistance to antibiotics, demonstrating that targeting specific proteins could transform treatment strategies. These findings pave the way for exploring combination therapies that enhance antibiotic effectiveness, helping to combat infections that could otherwise become resistant and untreatable.

The study revealed that prolonged exposure of bacteria to a newly developed rod complex-targeting compound, IITR07865, over 30 days led to the emergence of specific mutations. These mutations, combined with the overproduction of the protein L, D-transpeptidase A (LdtA), enhanced the bacteria's resilience. As a result, the bacteria became resistant not only to IITR07865 but also to mecillinam, an antibiotic typically used to target the bacterial cell wall.

Prof. Ranjana Pathania remarked, “Our research brings us closer to dismantling the defenses bacteria use to evade antibiotics. This breakthrough is a vital step toward developing smarter and more resilient treatment strategies to protect global health and preserve the power of antibiotics for future generations."

The findings of this study have been published in the prestigious ACS Infectious Diseases journal, highlighting its importance to the global scientific community. Professor Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, commented, “Our work on antibiotic resistance underscores IIT Roorkee’s commitment to addressing critical challenges in healthcare. This discovery not only adds to our understanding of resistance mechanisms but also points towards innovative treatment options for bacterial infections, safeguarding public health for the future.”

Read More

• IIT Roorkee and NAMTECH Unite to Shape the Future of Experiential Engineering Education
• IIT Roorkee and Queen’s University Lead the Way with IDEAS-2024, Uniting Global Researchers