Discovering new bacterial weaknesses to combat antibiotic resistance

As a Wallenberg Scholar, Felipe Cava aims to conduct detailed studies of bacterial cell walls using new analysis methods and technology. The goal is to reach new knowledge that could eventually lead to the development of new treatments for infection and antibiotic resistance.

The threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major concern for global health. Since penicillin's discovery, targeting bacterial cell walls has been crucial in treating infections. However, rising resistance to common antibiotics like β-lactams has prompted innovative approaches. Felipe Cava is pioneering new methods to tackle this challenge by investigating novel players involved in cell wall synthesis and regulation.

 Identifying new genetic vulnerabilities 

Cava's research focuses on identifying new genetic vulnerabilities within bacterial cell walls. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to targeted antibiotics that exploit these weaknesses. Peptidoglycan, a key component of bacterial cell walls, defends against environmental threats and is a prime antibiotic target. But antibiotic-resistant bacteria threaten current treatments, driving the need for new strategies.

In his lab, Cava and his team use advanced analytical approaches to understand how peptidoglycan responds to environmental cues. They've found potential contributors to peptidoglycan dynamics, some conserved across bacterial species, which could be targets for future antibiotics.

Additionally, Cava's team has created accessible platforms and databases. This allows researchers worldwide to explore bacterial cell wall biology in unprecedented detail. 

“The cell walls of bacteria are one of nature's more remarkable structures”. says Cava. "Understanding them better could help prevent and treat severe infections".