Due to the increase in drug resistance among bacteria, continued progress in the development of new antibiotic treatments is needed.
Available for licensing and commercial development is the small protein SrgT, its analogs and related peptides.
SrgT is a 43-amino acid protein that effectively inhibits bacterial growth. Developed by researchers Carin K. Vanderpool and Susan Gottesman of the National Institutes of Health, this protein likely exerts its antibiotic action by inhibiting the metabolism of glucose in these microorganisms. The claimed invention includes methods for SrgT synthesis and suggested modifications for production of SrgT analogs and related peptides, which may remain effective against potential SrgT-resistant bacteria. Thus, the current technology provides a novel approach to the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. Applications include therapeutics and
prophylactics for bacterial infections.
More info: Cristina Thalhammer-Reyero, Ph.D., 301-435-4507, thalhamc@mail.nih.gov
