Projects Profile
Project Title
Identification and mechanistic studies of novel antibacterials from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) using anti-sense mRNA sensitized whole cell screening
Partnership
Liam Good from Royal Veterinary College, University of London
Prof. Boli Zhangg from Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Project Aim
The project aims to identify several TCMs having robust antibacterial activity and then investigate their mechanism(s) of action using novel methods for whole-cell mechanism of action studies. The assays are based on anti-sense sensitized E.coli strains, where putative target genes are silenced at the RNA level using expressed RNA.
Inspiration for the projects
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), unlike conventional western medicines, are complex mixtures, where the active substance(s) present at low doses. This obstacle makes it difficult to understand TCM mechanisms. The inspiration for the present project came from observations that antisense silencing of antimicrobial target genes dramatically sensitises cells to inhibitors of the encoded proteins.
Commercial Potential and Further Development
The project will carry out preliminary activity and mechanistic analyses of selected TCMs using our in-house sensitised cell-based assays. Understanding of mechanism of action is considered crucial to develop improved activity assays and to obtain regulatory approval in western countries.
The project could potentially resolve questions about mechanism of action, improve TCM quality assurance and ultimately open possibilities to develop the medical benefits of TCMs to address the growing need for new antimicrobials worldwide.
