Pharmacy Daily | Phage surprise finding to fight bacteria

A RECENT study has uncovered that a protein used by phages, viruses that infect bacteria, can bind both DNA and RNA.

This dual binding ability marks an advancement in understanding how phages can be used as alternatives to antibiotics both in human health and agriculture.

An international team, led by Prof Peter Fineran from the University of Otago, investigated this protein known for its DNA-binding capability and discovered its RNA-binding function.

This finding, published in Nature, enhances knowledge of phage-bacteria interactions, which is crucial for developing phage-based antimicrobials, explained Fineran.

Lead author Dr Nils Birkholz explained that understanding these interactions helps identify appropriate phages to combat bacterial pathogens.

The study highlighted that the helix-turn-helix domain in the phage protein, typically associated with DNA binding, also binds RNA transcripts, adding a new layer of regulation to the production of anti-CRISPRs, which phages use to block bacterial defences.

"This unexpected discovery shows a novel regulatory mechanism in a well-studied protein family," explained Professor Fineran.

"It could significantly impact our understanding of gene regulation and the use of phages in various applications."

The findings promise to advance phage therapy, offering a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics and contributing to the global fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (PD 05 Jun).