IISER Pune Scientists Uncover Bacteria's Hidden Survival Mechanism Against Antibiotics
A groundbreaking study conducted at the Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Pune has unveiled a novel survival strategy employed by Escherichia coli bacteria to withstand broad-spectrum antibiotics. This discovery sheds light on a critical aspect of antibiotic resistance, a pressing global health challenge.
Gene Copying: A Temporary Shield for Bacteria
Researchers found that E. coli, a common gut bacterium often linked to urinary tract infections, can rapidly adapt to antibiotic exposure by temporarily increasing the number of copies of a specific gene known as folA. This gene is targeted by the antibiotic trimethoprim. By producing extra copies, the bacteria elevate the levels of the protein that the drug aims to inhibit, allowing them to continue growing even in the presence of the antibiotic.
Dr. Nishad Matange, an assistant professor and intermediate fellow in the Department of Biology at IISER Pune, explained the mechanism. "These extra gene copies usually disappear over time, but they provide a crucial window for the bacteria to develop permanent resistance mutations," he stated. This temporary genetic amplification acts as a buffer, enabling bacterial populations to survive until more stable resistant strains emerge.
Implications for Combating Antibiotic Resistance
The study, published in the journal eLife in 2025 and funded by the DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, highlights how this process may accelerate the spread of antibiotic resistance. "Understanding this gene copying phenomenon could be key to slowing down the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria," Dr. Matange emphasized. The research also identified that a bacterial enzyme called Lon protease regulates the frequency of these gene copy changes, offering a potential target for future therapeutic interventions.
Unlike most organisms that possess two copies of each gene (diploid), bacteria typically have only one copy (haploid). However, their ability to temporarily amplify certain genes provides a rapid adaptive advantage, particularly under antibiotic stress. This finding underscores the complexity of bacterial evolution and the need for innovative approaches to tackle resistance.
Future Directions and Clinical Relevance
Moving forward, scientists plan to investigate how often these gene copy variations occur in clinical strains of bacteria and their role in resistance development during patient treatments. "Our study demonstrates that gene copy number changes are pivotal in bacterial antibiotic resistance. This knowledge could lead to improved diagnostic tools and more effective treatment strategies," Dr. Matange added. By deciphering these mechanisms, researchers aim to enhance detection methods and design novel therapies to combat resistant infections.
This research from IISER Pune represents a significant step forward in the global fight against antibiotic resistance, offering hope for more robust public health solutions in the future.
