Genome-Mined Megacluster Signals Synergy in Biotin-Targeting Antibiotics
TL;DR
A Nature paper reports a megacluster of four gene clusters in Streptomyces that produce three antibiotics plus a biotin-pathway mimic, which together disrupt biotin synthesis in bacteria and show synergistic killing in lab and animal tests, revealing a new genome-mining strategy to revive natural-product antibiotics, though extensive work remains before clinical use.
Topics:healthscience#antibiotic-resistance#biotin-biosynthesis#genome-mining#megacluster#natural-products#science
- Antibiotic "megacluster" discovery provides new strategy to fight superbugs Ars Technica
- A Streptomyces megacluster encodes synergistic biotin-targeting antibiotics Nature
- Gene Cluster Produces Multiple Antibiotics to Combat Drug Resistance respiratory-therapy.com
- New antibiotic targets a hidden weak spot in drug-resistant bacteria Earth.com
- McMaster University uncovers natural antibiotic cocktail that suppresses multidrug-resistant superbugs 동아사이언스
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