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LysJEP8: A promising novel endolysin for combating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
Jose Vicente Carratalá1,2,3,4, Neus Ferrer-Miralles1,2,4, Elena Garcia-Fruitós3
1Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Microbial Biotechnology
|June 12, 2024
Summary
A new endolysin, LysJEP8, shows strong potential against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacteriophage-derived protein effectively reduces bacterial survival and disrupts biofilms, offering a promising alternative to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, exacerbated by antibiotic overuse.
- Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens, pose significant challenges due to high mortality rates.
- Bacteriophage-derived endolysins represent a novel therapeutic avenue against resistant bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and characterize LysJEP8, a novel endolysin from Escherichia phage JEP8.
- To evaluate LysJEP8's antimicrobial activity against key Gram-negative pathogens.
- To assess LysJEP8's efficacy in combating bacterial biofilms.
Main Methods:
- In silico analysis to predict optimal activity conditions.
- Comparative assessment of LysJEP8's efficacy against ESKAPE pathogens.
- Evaluation of LysJEP8's performance at varying pH and salt concentrations.
- Assessment of LysJEP8's biofilm disruption capabilities.
Main Results:
- LysJEP8 demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- The endolysin showed superior bacterial reduction compared to other known endolysins, particularly against P. aeruginosa.
- Optimal activity was observed at lower pH, with reduced efficacy at physiological salt concentrations.
- LysJEP8 effectively disrupted P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Conclusions:
- LysJEP8 is a potent candidate for developing new antibacterial agents against Gram-negative pathogens.
- Further engineering of LysJEP8 could enhance its therapeutic potential in combating AMR.
- This endolysin offers a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for treating resistant infections.
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