Press Release 04-067
Researchers Open New Line of Attack on Tuberculosis

Findings could show how to breach the bacterium's tough cell wall

May 9, 2004

ARLINGTON, Va.—Chemists and biochemists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, supported in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF), have discovered a new chink in the armor of the bacterial family that causes diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy.

The researchers' findings, which are reported today (May 9) in the online edition of the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, could lead to the development of a new family of antibiotics to treat those afflictions, which claim up to 3 million lives around the world every year. This prospect is especially welcome given the rapid spread of tuberculosis strains that are resistant to existing drugs.

Microbes that cause tuberculosis and leprosy, and related bacteria, are particularly tough adversaries because of their unique, multilayered cell walls, which render them virtually invulnerable to easy treatment. In the research reported today, however, UW chemist Laura L. Kiessling and her team have detailed the workings of a key enzyme the bacteria use to maintain the integrity of their cell walls. Enzymes are proteins that initiate chemical reactions within bacteria, plant and animal cells.

"We've figured out how this enzyme works," says Kiessling. "If you knock it out, the bacteria aren't viable."

Kiessling cautions that it takes years and many millions of dollars to develop a new drug. Nonetheless, this discovery opens up a whole new line of attack against TB and leprosy. "Because we understand the mechanism better, we can design inhibitors specific to this enzyme."

In the paper, Kiessling acknowledges support from an NSF Young Investigator award. "It is gratifying to see that seminal funding from NSF has helped Dr. Kiessling develop into a leading organic chemist," says NSF program officer, George Rubottom. "Her research, which covers the spectrum from synthesis to enzyme mechanism, highlights the unique role chemistry can play in solving extremely important biological problems."

A more detailed press release about this work will be available after the embargo lifts on the University of Wisconsin-Madison web site: http://www.news.wisc.edu/.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
M. Mitchell Waldrop, NSF (703) 292-7752 mwaldrop@nsf.gov
Terry Devitt, UW-Madison (608) 262-8282 trdevitt@wisc.edu

Program Contacts
George Rubottom, NSF (703) 292-4965 grubotto@nsf.gov

Principal Investigators
Laura L. Kiessling, UW-Madison (608) 262-0541 kiessling@chem.wisc.edu

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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