Cluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI)

Antibiotics highjack bacterial immunity

Researchers discovered that antibiotics can activate a molecular defense system in bacteria, called CBASS, which enhances the effect of specific antibiotics against Vibrio cholerae. This finding has significant implications for the effective use of antibiotics and preventing antibiotic resistance.

SourceCluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024

Novel antibiotic substance from the human nose

Researchers at the University of Tübingen discovered a novel antibiotic substance called epifadin produced by specific strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Epifadin has an antimicrobial effect against various pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, and could be used as a lead structure for developing new antibiotics.

SourceCluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Taking antibiotics back in time

A team of researchers successfully synthesized a 1.5-million-year-old antibiotic called paleomycin, which displays potent properties against human pathogens. By tracing the evolutionary path of glycopeptide antibiotics, the team gained insights into the development of new drugs and uncovered a common precursor molecule.

SourceCluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023