IIT Roorkee Scientists Unveil Superbug’s Defense Mechanism, Paving the Way for New Treatments

IIT Roorkee scientists have uncovered the defense mechanism of superbugs, potentially opening the door to new and more effective treatments.

IIT Roorkee Scientists Unveil Superbug’s Defense Mechanism

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have discovered a vital regulatory mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii, a dangerous, drug-resistant superbug linked to severe infections. Their groundbreaking study, published in mBio, the renowned journal of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), sheds light on how the pathogen manages its attack and defense systems, offering promising new avenues for treatment strategies.

The research team, led by Prof. Ranjana Pathania, found that A. baumannii regulates its T6SS (Type VI secretion system) based on environmental conditions. A small RNA molecule, AbsR28, is central to this regulation and is influenced by manganese (Mn²+) levels. When Mn²+ levels are elevated, AbsR28 binds to the essential gene (tssM) required for T6SS function, triggering its degradation. This prevents T6SS activation, allowing A. baumannii to retain plasmid pAB3, which carries multiple antibiotic resistance genes.

Acinetobacter baumannii is infamous for its resistance to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant threat in healthcare environments. It is responsible for serious hospital-acquired infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections. One of the key survival mechanisms of this superbug is the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS), a bacterial "weapon" used to attack rival microbes.

“We found that when A. baumannii activates T6SS, it becomes more vulnerable to antibiotics and oxidative stress. So, the bacteria must carefully regulate this system to survive in different conditions,” said Prof. Pathania. “Our discovery sheds light on how this pathogen adapts during infections, helping it evade both antibiotics and the immune system.”

The research team includes Somok Bhowmik, Avik Pathak, Shivam Pandey, Kuldip Devnath, Abhiroop Sett, Nishant Jyoti, Timsy Bhando, Jawed Akhter, Saurabh Chugh, Dr. Ramandeep Singh, and Tarun Kumar Sharma. Their pioneering work reinforces IIT Roorkee’s leadership in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “At IIT Roorkee, we are committed to advancing scientific research that addresses global health challenges. This breakthrough in understanding Acinetobacter baumannii’s defense mechanism is a testament to the high-impact work being carried out by our researchers. Such discoveries pave the way for innovative solutions in tackling antibiotic resistance and improving healthcare outcomes.”

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