Enzyme to Arrest Bacteria Cell Growth Discovered

Scientists from the Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) have discovered a new enzyme which helps in breaking cell walls of bacteria. This discovery offers the potential for a new drug delivery system to arrest the anti-bacterial resistance through existing antibiotic drugs.

Why the discovery is of great significance?

A lot of antibiotics are available in the market to combat various diseases like cholera typhoid, leprosy. Now there is a growing concern over the bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, which means that small infections can also become a threat to a patient.

The researchers have discovered a new enzyme “Murein EndopeptidiaseK” which would cut the bacteria cell wall. The enzyme Murein EndopeptidiaseK would act on the protein of the cell wall of the bacteria and it can be a potential drug target. This discovery of a new enzyme will ensure the cell wall synthesis would not occur.

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is a biotechnology research establishment in Hyderabad and operates under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). CCMB is also a designated “Center of Excellence” by the Global Molecular and Cell Biology Network, UNESCO.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2019