Axolotls reveal secret weapons against hospital germs!

Axolotls reveal secret weapons against hospital germs!

The exciting world of axolotls has opened up a new dimension in medical research. MHH researchers have discovered that the skin of these fascinating animals contains antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that are able to fight dangerous hospital germs and tumor cells. This discovery could make a significant contribution to solving the global health threat posed by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The research team led by Dr. Sarah Strauss has carried out extensive research on these peptides, which are part of the innate immune system and occur in almost all organisms.

The axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is known not only for its remarkable regenerative ability, but also for the protective properties of its mucous membrane. This mucus produced contains AMP, which protects the skin from pathogens. The researchers discovered 22 potentially effective peptide candidates and produced them synthetically in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute. These AMPs show remarkable effectiveness against multi-resistant bacteria, including the dreaded MRSA.

Effectiveness of the peptides

The laboratory tests showed that four of the AMPs tested even delivered better results than the reserve antibiotic vancomycin. Three of these peptides were able to induce programmed cell death in breast cancer cells, indicating potential anticarcinogenic effects. These results were published in the scientific journal “Plos one” and offer a promising approach in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The antibacterial activity of AMP is diverse, including disrupting cell membranes and influencing intracellular processes, making them effective candidates against resistant pathogens.

But the challenges are significant. The global increase in antibiotic resistance poses an immense health threat. The misuse of antibiotics increases the need to find alternative therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial peptides appear to be a promising approach, but their use faces challenges such as stability and potential cytotoxicity.

Further research and development

Further research is needed to validate the effectiveness of AMP. This includes both preclinical and clinical studies to realize the full potential of these peptides. Additionally, techniques such as molecular dynamics simulations, which have been used to model the 3D structure of AMP, are crucial. In these simulations, the peptides were shown to have a broad antimicrobial spectrum.

The research is supported by the “Ambystoma Mexicanum Bioregeneration Center” (ABMC), which is dedicated to the conservation and further research of axolotls and other species of amphibians. The threat to the axolotl in its natural environment reinforces the urgency of these research efforts. Ultimately, the use of AMP could not only revolutionize treatment strategies against resistant infections, but also influence the fate of axolotls and their habitats.