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Innovative Gene Repression Mechanism Discovered in Bacteria Linked to Multi-Resistance to Antibiotics

Researchers led by Fernando Moreno-Herrero discovered a novel bacterial gene regulation mechanism involving KorA and KorB proteins. KorB slides along DNA, regulated by CTP binding and KorA’s “padlock” effect, silencing key antibiotic resistance genes. This groundbreaking study, published in Nature Microbiology, offers insights into bacterial genetics and potential strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.

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An international research team, co-led by Fernando Moreno-Herrero, a researcher at the National Centre for Biotechnology of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), has discovered a revolutionary new mechanism of gene regulation in bacteria, related to the spread of multi -resistance to antibiotics.

The study, published in Nature Microbiology, reveals how bacterial proteins KorA and KorB interact in a complex way to regulate gene expression at “long distances.” This phenomenon, although common in higher organisms, is unprecedented in bacteria. It is a regulatory mechanism based on the sliding of KorB along DNA, something never before observed in proteins that regulate genes.

This is a mechanism based on the sliding of KorB along DNA, something never before observed in proteins that regulate genes

In addition to genomic DNA, bacteria contain plasmids, small extrachromosomal DNA molecules that allow the transfer of genes between bacteria, including those that confer antibiotic resistance. The RK2 plasmid, the subject of the study, contains genes that promote replication and transmission between bacteria, facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance.

KorB acts as a “sliding clamp” that moves along DNA, but it needs to bind to a CTP molecule to do so. This discovery significantly expands our understanding of bacterial gene regulation. It shows that proteins can regulate gene expression without the need to form DNA loops.

The discovery demonstrates that proteins can regulate gene expression without having to form DNA loops

“Our work has allowed us to unravel how KorA and KorB interact to inhibit gene expression through an unusual mechanism ,” explains Moreno-Herrero. He also clarifies that “KorA works like a padlock that prevents the movement of KorB, thus silencing the expression of key genes for antibiotic resistance.”

This discovery not only opens new perspectives on genetic regulation in bacteria, but also offers potential therapeutic targets to intervene in the spread of antibiotic resistance. With this discovery, researchers take a crucial step towards designing strategies that can stop the spread of bacterial resistance.

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(Featured image by Sangharsh Lohakare via Unsplash)

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First published in iSanidad. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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Eva Wesley is an experienced journalist, market trader, and financial executive. Driven by excellence and a passion to connect with people, she takes pride in writing think pieces that help people decide what to do with their investments. A blockchain enthusiast, she also engages in cryptocurrency trading. Her latest travels have also opened her eyes to other exciting markets, such as aerospace, cannabis, healthcare, and telcos.