New Way to Target and Kill Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Found (IMAGE)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

New Way to Target and Kill Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Found

Caption

Antibiotic resistance propagates in bacteria by moving DNA strands containing the resistance genes to neighboring cells. An enzyme called relaxase is essential for this process. Bisphosphonates, already approved to treat bone loss, have now been shown to potently disrupt the relaxase function. Some bisphosphonates prevent the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes and selectively kill bacterial cells that harbor resistance.

Credit

Scott Lujan, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.