SCOTTISH scientists are to spearhead a multi-million pound project to find new weapons to fight strains of superbugs that cause sore throats, meningitis and killer disease sepsis.
Dr Helge Dorfmueller, based at Dundee University’s Division of Molecular Microbiology, has been awarded a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, which brings a grant of over £1.1 million over five years.
His research will address the study of the important human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria cause common infections such as tonsillitis and so-called “strep throat”.
Mild “strep” infections can develop into life-threatening diseases and current antibiotics are not sufficient to eradicate all mild and severe cases.
Dr Dorfmueller said: “We will characterise the biosynthesis of a novel virulence factor. These studies will help us to identify points of vulnerability and form the foundation for future antibacterial drug development, to protect us humans from severe streptococcal infections.”
Professor Tracy Palmer, head of the Division of Molecular Microbiology, has been given a Wellcome Trust Award of £1.2m for research into the common bacteria Staphylococcus aureus – which is behind a wide range of human diseases.
Staphylococcus aureus can cause a range of illnesses, from minor skin infections, such as pimples and boils to life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
It is one of the five most common causes of hospital-acquired infections worldwide and is often the cause of postsurgical wound infections.
Professor Palmer said: “We will be examining substrates of a Staphylococcus aureus protein secretion system, which is found in MRSA strains and is known to be involved in causing persistent infection.
“My lab will be working with the Drug Discovery Unit at the university to develop inhibitors to act against these proteins and reduce their capability to cause infection.”
A Dundee University spokesman said: “The grants amount to over £2m to researchers in the School of Life Sciences at Dundee and include two projects contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance, one of the major health problems facing the world today.”
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