HEALTH EUROPA: Can a biosynthetic pathway be a new route to antibiotic use?

Description

Scientists have discovered a new route to antibiotic use, exploiting a chemical process and gene editing, also known as a biosynthetic pathway.

Researchers from The University of Manchester’s School of Chemistry, UK, have discovered a new chemical process, known as a biosynthetic pathway, in bacteria which could pave the way for a new generation of antibiotics being produced and manufactured. According to the researchers, the new pathway includes the enzyme, called a carboxylase, which adds CO2 to a precursor molecule producing a highly unusual antibiotic known as malonomycin. This antibiotic use also has the potential to lead to the discovery and development of other drugs.