Researchers at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) have developed innovative methods to combat bacterial resistance to antibiotics—an escalating global health crisis. In a statement released on Wednesday, the institute emphasized the urgent need for such solutions, given the increasing ineffectiveness of traditional antibiotics.
Targeting Porins: A Novel Approach
One promising method involves targeting porins, the outer membrane proteins in pathogenic bacteria. These tiny protein channels regulate the entry of antibiotics into bacterial cells. Over time, bacteria have evolved by reducing the number of porins, thereby limiting drug entry and developing resistance. By focusing on these underexplored protein channels, the researchers aim to restore the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Insights from a Multidisciplinary Investigation
As reported by The Week, this pioneering research emerged from a collaborative effort involving Dr. Mahendran’s lab at RGCB, Dr. Arumugam Rajavelu’s lab at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, and Dr. Jagannath Mondal’s lab at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Hyderabad. The team conducted a multidisciplinary investigation that explored how antibiotics interact with porins at a molecular level.
Published in Leading Nanoscience Journal
The findings have been published in Small, a prominent nanoscience and nanotechnology journal based in Weinheim, Germany. The study offers a promising new direction to make antibiotics more effective by enhancing their ability to penetrate bacterial defenses.
Potential to Revolutionize Treatment Strategies
RGCB Director, Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, stated that this research opens up exciting new possibilities for addressing the antibiotic resistance crisis. He highlighted its potential to significantly enhance the lethality and efficiency of antibiotic treatments.
Support and Funding
The Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, supported the research through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). RGCB’s intramural funding also contributed to this significant scientific advancement.