Agents Targeting the Bacterial Cell Wall as Tools to Combat Gram-Positive Pathogens.


Journal

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 1420-3049
Titre abrégé: Molecules
Pays: Switzerland
ID NLM: 100964009

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
27 Aug 2024
Historique:
received: 28 07 2024
revised: 20 08 2024
accepted: 21 08 2024
medline: 14 9 2024
pubmed: 14 9 2024
entrez: 14 9 2024
Statut: epublish

Résumé

The cell wall is an indispensable element of bacterial cells and a long-known target of many antibiotics. Penicillin, the first discovered beta-lactam antibiotic inhibiting the synthesis of cell walls, was successfully used to cure many bacterial infections. Unfortunately, pathogens eventually developed resistance to it. This started an arms race, and while novel beta-lactams, either natural or (semi)synthetic, were discovered, soon upon their application, bacteria were developing resistance. Currently, we are facing the threat of losing the race since more and more multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens are emerging. Therefore, there is an urgent need for developing novel approaches to combat MDR bacteria. The cell wall is a reasonable candidate for a target as it differentiates not only bacterial and human cells but also has a specific composition unique to various groups of bacteria. This ensures the safety and specificity of novel antibacterial agents that target this structure. Due to the shortage of low-molecular-weight candidates for novel antibiotics, attention was focused on peptides and proteins that possess antibacterial activity. Here, we describe proteinaceous agents of various origins that target bacterial cell wall, including bacteriocins and phage and bacterial lysins, as alternatives to classic antibiotic candidates for antimicrobial drugs. Moreover, advancements in protein chemistry and engineering currently allow for the production of stable, specific, and effective drugs. Finally, we introduce the concept of selective targeting of dangerous pathogens, exemplified by staphylococci, by agents specifically disrupting their cell walls.

Identifiants

pubmed: 39274911
pii: molecules29174065
doi: 10.3390/molecules29174065
pii:
doi:

Substances chimiques

Anti-Bacterial Agents 0
Bacteriocins 0

Types de publication

Journal Article Review

Langues

eng

Sous-ensembles de citation

IM

Subventions

Organisme : National Science Center
ID : 2021/43/B/NZ6/02413

Auteurs

Aliaksandr Zhydzetski (A)

Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7, 30-348 Cracow, Poland.

Zuzanna Głowacka-Grzyb (Z)

Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7, 30-348 Cracow, Poland.
Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicza St. 11, 30-348 Cracow, Poland.

Michal Bukowski (M)

Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7, 30-348 Cracow, Poland.

Tomasz Żądło (T)

Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7, 30-348 Cracow, Poland.
Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicza St. 11, 30-348 Cracow, Poland.

Emilia Bonar (E)

Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7, 30-348 Cracow, Poland.

Benedykt Władyka (B)

Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 7, 30-348 Cracow, Poland.

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Classifications MeSH