microbe

A simple method for synthesizing natural compounds

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 06:59:59 -0400

A new approach to synthesizing natural compounds could significantly speed research and manufacturing processes for these therapeutics. Typically, compounds found in a plant or microbe that could have a therapeutic effect are isolated and then synthesized using a very time-consuming and expensive process. But scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of Arizona have shortened the process, using enzymes used by cells and mixing them with starter materials that hastens the synthesizing process. In order to prove the principle, investigators synthesized enterocin, an antibiotic found in a marine organism. The difficult part was making the enzymes they needed, according to the researchers. Once that was done, they could make the compounds in a matter of hours.

- see the release from Scripps

Related Article:
Scripps team finds path to synthesizing natural compounds. Report

New compounds in works for tuberculosis

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:01:39 -0400

There's new evidence to support the theory that the enzyme protein kinase G offers a promising target in the fight against tuberculosis. The enzyme is secreted by the microbe that triggers TB and is believed to provide essential protection for the bug from the host's immune system, which tracks down and kills most pathogens. Scientists say they have a compound that can block the protein, but were worried about interfering with the action of other proteins also secreted by the microbe. Using X-ray crystallography, the researchers were able to pinpoint the exact method of inhibition and determined that it was unique to that one protein.

"Since we now know exactly what the requirements should be for a good blocker and how to avoid interference with host kinases, we should now be able to rationally design compounds that are highly effective against PknG," said lead author Jean Pieters, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Basle in Switzerland.

- read the report on the TB research from AFP

Related Article:
New compounds combat bacteria's defenses. Report

Venter's latest revelation could save the world

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 20:01:39 -0400

The Times' Anjana Ahuja takes J. Craig Venter's latest revelation and breaks it down to some easily understood concepts. Venter is focused on creating synthetic life, taking 400 or so genes and making a microbe of his own design. Built properly, the microbe could be used to create a new generation of clean fuels. And his patent on the work, if granted, would give Venter control of those products and the vast riches they would produce. But the basic research could also point the way to a new generation of bioterror agents, which could have a dramatically different effect on the planet. Still, the work on life's simplest forms does also highlight the extraordinary collection of 30,000 genes that goes into creating a human.

- see the release on the work
- here's the column from The Times

New microbe mag announced

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:01:38 -0400

Cell Press is launching a new journal focused on the interactions between microbes and their hosts. The journal, Cell Host & Microbe, is designed to stimulate the exchange of ideas and concepts between scientists studying the microbe and those studying host responses upon microbial invasion. The magazine debuts March, 2007. Release