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S'pore scientists find infection-stalling enzyme
SINGAPORE, June 28 (Reuters) - Singapore scientists have isolatred an enzyme
which disrupts communication between bacterial cells to stall plant
infections in a breakthrough that could offer hope to humans.
The enzyme, extracted from a common bacterium, affects tiny molecules found
in bacteria which function as signals to synchronise the onset of an
infection.
"This enzyme stops the communication of the bacteria and these bacteria cells
cannot produce pathogens (substances that cause disease) required for
infection," Zhang Lian Hui of the Institute of Molecular Agrobiology told
Reuters on Thursday.
Zhang and his team introduced the gene for the enzyme into tobacco and potato
plants which were later found to be resistant to bacterial diseases.
The enzyme, unlike typical antibiotic drugs, did not destroy bacteria but
suppressed the onset of an infection and gave an organism's natural defences
more time to fight back.
"A similar strategy could also be used for the control of human infections,"
Zhang said.
The institute has filed for three patents and had its plant research findings
published in the June issue of the scientific journal "Nature."
Researchers have begun testing the enzyme on potentially fatal lung
infections and burns with promising results.
08:01 06-28-01
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