Scientists from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have made an exciting breakthrough in their research by identifying a novel protein that enhances the survival and growth of an oral bacterium outside of the mouth. This discovery has the potential to pave the way for the development of targeted drugs that can specifically inhibit this protein to combat the bacterium’s harmful effects on the body.
Dr. Kirsten Wolthers, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Microbiology at UBC’s Okanagan Campus, explains the significance of this find, stating, “While this bacterium is typically harmless in the oral cavity, the real danger lies in its ability to travel through the bloodstream to other areas of the body, posing serious health risks.”
Apart from its implications on general health, this particular bacterium has been found to be prevalent in the tumors of colorectal cancer patients. Its presence is associated with accelerated tumor growth, metastasis to other parts of the body, and resistance to chemotherapy.
To better understand the mechanisms behind the bacterium’s survival and growth outside of the mouth, Wolthers and her team utilized the advanced CMCF beamline at the Canadian Light Source (CLS), located at the University of Saskatchewan. Their experiments revealed the role of the newly identified protein in extracting vital nutrients, such as iron, from the body’s blood cells.
Wolthers explains, “Our investigation showed that most of the iron in the body is bound to a protein cage called heme. However, we have now discovered a new pathway through which this bacterium can access abundant sources of these essential nutrients, enabling its robust growth in oxygen-deprived areas of the body.”
This newly discovered protein could serve as an attractive target for the development of drugs that specifically inhibit the growth and activity of this particular bacterium.
It is worth noting that synchrotron technology played a crucial role in this protein research. Wolthers emphasizes the importance of the CLS in their study, stating, “Without access to the Canadian Light Source, we would not have been able to identify the unique section of the protein that interacts with heme, which ultimately led us to discover potential drug design options.”
The findings of this study have been published in the esteemed Journal of Biological Chemistry, highlighting the significance of this breakthrough in the field of microbiology and cancer research.
More information:
Alexandra K. McGregor et al, A new member of the flavodoxin superfamily from Fusobacterium nucleatum that functions in heme trafficking and reduction of anaerobilin, Journal of Biological Chemistry (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104902
Citation:
Newly identified protein could help fight cancer (2023, July 26)
retrieved 27 July 2023
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Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
