Researchers make breakthrough on drug-resistant bacteria studies

Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute have made a potentially important discovery in the study of the biological mechanisms behind multidrug-resistant bacteria.

According to data from the journal Nature, researchers have been able to map the structure of the protein NorM, a transporter which causes widespread resistance to ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones in the bacteria Vibrio cholerae.

This could prove an important development, as the protein is a member of the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion family, the only remaining class of resistance-causing transporters yet to be mapped.

The researchers said the work required a "Herculean effort" but expressed confidence the knowledge could be used to enhance healthcare.

Dr Geoffrey Chang, associate professor at the Scripps Research department of molecular biology, explained: "Now with our crystal structure, scientists can for the first time figure out exactly how this transporter works. This could lead to the design of drugs that evade or inhibit the transporter."

Earlier this year, the not-for-profit organisation Center for Global Development said it is vital for pharmaceutical firms to take action against drug-resistant bacteria, which cause serious healthcare problems in developing nations.