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In the relentless battleground of microbial competition on human skin, researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) have unearthed a potent weapon wielded by staphylococci against their arch-rivals, the corynebacteria. Published in the prestigious ISME Journal, their findings unravel the mystery behind a newly discovered lantibiotic, epilancin A37, shedding light on its specialized mechanism of action.
Dr. Fabian Grein, the corresponding author and former head of the DZIF research group “Bacterial Interference” at the UKB, underscores the significance of lantibiotics in the age of escalating antibiotic resistance. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, lantibiotics offer a nuanced approach, targeting specific bacterial groups while preserving the delicate balance of the microbiota.
Leading the charge in this groundbreaking discovery, the UKB research team, spearheaded by Grein and Tanja Schneider, alongside Professor Ulrich Kubitscheck’s team from the University of Bonn, uncovered epilancin A37’s exceptional efficacy against corynebacteria, key competitors within the skin microbiome.
Doctoral student Jan-Samuel Puls, from the University of Bonn, highlights the ubiquity of epilancins among staphylococci, underscoring their ecological importance in maintaining skin health. The symbiotic relationship between staphylococci and corynebacteria underscores the evolutionary arms race driving the production of such antimicrobial compounds.
Delving into the intricacies of epilancin A37’s mode of action, Dr. Thomas Fließwasser from the UKB’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Microbiology elucidates a novel strategy deployed by staphylococci. Rather than outright destruction, epilancin A37 infiltrates corynebacterial cells, where it accumulates before rupturing the cell membrane from within, effectively neutralizing the competitor.
Grein emphasizes the broader implications of their findings, showcasing a blueprint for targeted bacterial warfare. By deciphering the intricate mechanisms at play, this study not only unveils the arsenal of staphylococci but also provides a compelling proof of concept for future antibacterial strategies.
As antibiotic resistance continues to pose a formidable challenge, the discovery of epilancin A37 offers a glimmer of hope in the ongoing battle against infectious diseases. With further research, these insights may pave the way for the development of tailored therapies that combat pathogens while preserving the delicate equilibrium of the human microbiome.
