Researchers Discover How Bacteria Resist Common Antibiotics

Scientists made a discovery about how bacteria resist common antibiotics. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh led the study. They investigated a bacterial repair system called Rtc.

Certain bacteria use the Rtc system to repair damaged RNA. RNA translates genetic information into proteins inside bacterial cells. By repairing RNA, the Rtc system helps bacteria keep growing during antibiotic treatment.

The research team used computer models and lab experiments with E. coli bacteria. They found that bacterial responses to antibiotics vary based on Rtc expression. Targeting the Rtc repair system could boost the power of current antibiotics.

Dr Andrea Weisse led the research team. She noted that bacteria constantly adapt to dodge antibiotics. Understanding this defence system helps scientists design smarter ways to treat infections.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London also contributed. Funding came from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Leverhulme Trust, and Wellcome.