Divinocell project to investigate how bacteria cells divide
Study will target gram negative bacteria that fuel HAIs
A European Union (EU)-funded research project is investigating how bacteria cells divide themselves and spread infections, to help develop new medicines. The study will target ‘gram negative’ bacteria, which fuel many hospital and community infectious diseases.
The €7.87m Divinocell project is investigating the proteins, such as FtsZ, FtsA, and ZipA, which link together within a cell to create an inner ring called a ‘divisome’, which helps split a cell into two. Weakening these proteins could prevent bacteria multiplying.
‘A potential division inhibitor binding efficiently to FtsZ has been identified, and specific compounds shown to inhibit growth have been selected,’ said the European Commission in a statement.
‘Researchers believe understanding the mechanics of assembly of the divisome can be used to yield inhibitors that block the production of pathogens,’ the EC added.
Companies involved in the project include the UK’s Demuris; Denmark’s Evolva Biotech; Spain’s Biomol-Informatics; and Hungary’s Vichem Chemie Kutato.