Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered that long chains of molecules called polyphosphates (polyP) are essential for bacteria to slow down their movements within cells and enter a resting state. This discovery could potentially lead to new treatments for chronic infections that are not responsive to typical antibiotics. Bacteria often enter a dormant state when they stop growing, using valuable energy to produce polyP strands. The purpose of polyP had been previously unclear, but the researchers found that it helps bacteria slow down and enter a resting state.
The study focused on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria known for causing pneumonia and blood infections in hospitalized patients with weakened immune systems. P. aeruginosa forms biofilms, which are communities of bacteria in a resting state, making them difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics. When the bacteria is starved of nitrogen, it produces high levels of polyP, allowing it to enter a resting state. The researchers discovered that a mutant unable to produce polyP was unable to enter a resting state, leading to increased movement within the cell.
The researchers genetically engineered P. aeruginosa to produce labeled particles, allowing them to track movement within the bacteria. They found that without polyP, the bacteria continued to move materials in the cell at a rapid pace, preventing them from slowing down and entering a resting state. The team concluded that polyP is essential for bacteria to slow down their movement, and preventing its production could make them more susceptible to certain antibiotics. This research provides valuable insights into how bacterial cells function and how they respond to changing environments.
The findings of this study could pave the way for new approaches to treating bacterial infections that are resistant to current antibiotics. By targeting the production of polyP, researchers may be able to prevent bacteria from entering a resting state and make them more vulnerable to treatment. This could offer a new strategy for combating chronic infections that are challenging to treat with existing medications. Further experiments are planned to investigate the role of polyP in bacterial cells and explore the potential of blocking its production as a treatment tactic.
The research was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, the European Research Council, the Swiss National Science Foundation, and the Donald E. and Delia B. Baxter Foundation. The study sheds light on the importance of polyP in bacteria’s ability to slow down and enter a resting state, highlighting a potential target for future antibacterial treatments. This work contributes to a better understanding of bacterial behavior and metabolism, opening up new possibilities for combating antibiotic-resistant infections.
