Source: IndianExpress

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Context

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a critical global health threat, causing millions of deaths annually.
• However, recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and scientific research are providing new hope in the fight against AMR.

Details

The Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance

• AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi evolve to evade the drugs designed to eliminate them.
• Consequences: Without effective antibiotics, common infections like UTIs or pneumonia could become lethal.
• Causes: Overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and healthcare accelerates the development of resistant strains.

Recent Scientific Advancements

• AI-Driven Research: Researchers used machine learning to predict 800,000 potential antibiotic agents from a database of microbial peptides.
• Study Details: Led by Luis Pedro Coelho from Queensland University of Technology, the study was published in the journal Cell.

Key Findings

• Antibiotic Peptides: The AI algorithm identified 863,498 new antimicrobial peptides, 90% of which were previously unknown.
• Mechanism of Action: These peptides kill bacteria by disrupting their cell membranes.
• Laboratory Testing:
  • Synthesis and Testing: 100 peptides were synthesized and tested against 11 bacterial strains.
  • Results: 79 peptides disrupted bacterial membranes; 63 targeted antibiotic-resistant bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • In Vivo Testing: In mouse models, three peptides showed antimicrobial effects.

Implications for AMR

• Open Access Dataset: The study's dataset is available to the scientific community, facilitating further research and drug development.
• Tailored Antibiotics: Future antibiotics could be designed to target specific bacteria while sparing beneficial gut microbiota.
• Long-Term Solutions: The dataset could help develop antibiotics that bacteria are less likely to resist over time.

Challenges Ahead

• Commercial Viability: Developing new antibiotics that are economically feasible remains a challenge.
• Usage Strategy: New antibiotics are often reserved for last-resort use, which affects their marketability.

WHAT ARE PEPTIDES? Peptides: Molecules consisting of 2 to 50 amino acids. Difference from Proteins: Proteins are larger molecules made up of one or more polypeptide chains that typically contain 50 or more amino acids. Types of Peptides Oligopeptides: Peptides with 2-20 amino acids. Polypeptides: Peptides with 20-50 amino acids. Functional Peptides: Peptides with specific biological activities (e.g., antimicrobial peptides, hormones). Biological Functions of Peptides Signaling Molecules Hormones: Peptides like insulin regulate metabolic processes. Neurotransmitters: Neuropeptides such as endorphins affect brain function and pain perception. Structural Components Peptides contribute to the structure and function of cells and tissues. Antimicrobial Agents Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): Natural antibiotics produced by organisms to fend off pathogens. Peptides in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Mechanism of Action Cell Membrane Disruption: Many AMPs kill bacteria by disrupting their cell membranes. Intracellular Targets: Some peptides inhibit DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis within bacterial cells. Advantages Over Traditional Antibiotics Broad Spectrum: Effective against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Lower Resistance Rates: Bacteria are less likely to develop resistance to peptides due to their unique mechanisms. Applications of Peptides Therapeutics Antibiotics: Development of new peptide-based antibiotics to combat resistant bacteria. Cancer Treatment: Peptides can target and kill cancer cells. Vaccines: Peptide-based vaccines stimulate immune responses. Diagnostics Biomarkers: Peptides serve as biomarkers for various diseases, aiding in early diagnosis. Biotechnology Biocontrol Agents: Peptides used in agriculture to protect plants from pathogens.

Conclusion

While AMR is still a significant challenge, the combination of AI and scientific innovation offers substantial progress and reasons for optimism. Continued research, along with supportive policies for antibiotic commercialization, will be crucial in advancing the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

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Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  While AMR is still a significant challenge, the combination of AI and scientific innovation offers substantial progress and reasons for optimism. Critically analyse. (250 Words)