New molecule targets superbug enzyme in India
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Researchers in India designed a molecule, DSA3, that kills Staphylococcus aureus bacteria by blocking an enzyme the bacteria need to copy their DNA.
A team from the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar collaborated with scientists from multiple institutions to create DSA3, which targets thymidine kinase, an enzyme that most antibiotics do not affect. They reasoned that because bacteria haven’t commonly defended against attacks on this enzyme, it would be a promising target.
The scientists first mapped the structure of the S. aureus thymidine kinase enzyme. Then, they built a molecule from existing antibacterial compounds, a thiazole ring and a sulfonamide group, and used computer modeling to predict how well it would bind to the enzyme. DSA3 showed a strong predicted interaction, particularly within a critical pocket of the enzyme.
Lab tests confirmed that DSA3 binds to and reduces the activity of the enzyme, and it also inhibited the growth and killed S. aureus bacteria. The research team acknowledges that DSA3 is a starting point for future drug development. They plan to improve its potency and test it against more resistant strains of bacteria, as well as in animal models. This work supports national and international efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, which currently threatens to make common infections deadly again.
The research also aims to boost India’s capabilities in discovering and developing new antibacterial drugs.
