'Achilles heel' of antibiotic-resistant bacteria discovered

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified a significant vulnerability in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which could lead to new treatment strategies. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that antibiotic-resistant strains, such as Bacillus subtilis, exhibit a dependency on magnesium due to mutations that confer resistance. This dependency creates competition for magnesium between ribosomes, which are essential for protein synthesis, and ATP molecules, the cell's energy source. As a result, resistant bacteria become less efficient in low-magnesium environments, despite their resistance to antibiotics. This discovery suggests that manipulating magnesium levels could be a novel approach to combat antibiotic-resistant infections without relying on traditional antibiotics. The findings highlight the need for drug-free alternatives in the face of rising antibiotic resistance, which currently claims over one million lives annually and is projected to increase significantly by 2050. The research underscores the potential of targeting the physiological trade-offs in resistant bacteria to develop effective treatments.

- Researchers discovered a vulnerability in antibiotic-resistant bacteria related to magnesium dependency.

- The study suggests manipulating magnesium levels could help control resistant strains without antibiotics.

- Current antibiotic resistance is a major global health issue, with over one million deaths annually.

- The findings indicate a need for drug-free alternatives to combat bacterial infections.

- The research highlights the trade-off between antibiotic resistance and cellular efficiency in low-magnesium environments.