Bacteria Outsmart Antibiotic

Researchers at the University of Osaka have made a significant discovery in the fight against antibiotic resistance, identifying a previously unknown mechanism by which the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae can export the antibiotic fosfomycin. This breakthrough, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals the structure and function of a molecular pump called FoeAB, which plays a crucial role in the bacterium's resistance to the antibiotic.

The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of pneumonia and meningitis, and its ability to develop resistance to antibiotics is a significant concern. The researchers, led by corresponding author Dr. Atsushi Taguchi, identified an uncharacterized protein complex, FoeAB, which is involved in exporting fosfomycin. By producing more FoeAB, bacterial cells became more resistant to the antibiotic.

Using cryogenic electron microscopy, the researchers captured FoeAB in two different shapes, revealing key regions involved in recognizing the antibiotic. This discovery is significant, as fosfomycin had not previously been identified as a substrate of a bacterial drug efflux pump. The findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and could help researchers develop new ways to combat resistant bacteria.

## Why it matters The discovery of the FoeAB pump is a crucial step in understanding how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. As bacteria continue to evolve and develop new mechanisms of resistance, it is essential to stay ahead of the curve and develop new strategies to combat them. The identification of the FoeAB pump and its role in exporting fosfomycin could lead to the development of new antibiotics or therapies that target this mechanism, ultimately helping to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The study's findings have significant implications for public health, as antibiotic resistance is a growing concern worldwide. The World Health Organization has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest threats to global health, and the development of new antibiotics and therapies is critical to addressing this issue. The discovery of the FoeAB pump is a significant step forward in this effort, and further research is needed to fully understand its role in antibiotic resistance and to develop new strategies to combat it.

## What happens next The discovery of the FoeAB pump is just the beginning, and further research is needed to fully understand its role in antibiotic resistance. The researchers will likely continue to study the FoeAB pump and its mechanisms, with the goal of developing new antibiotics or therapies that target this mechanism. Additionally, the discovery of the FoeAB pump could lead to a greater understanding of how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, ultimately helping to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.