Tetraspanins' Antimicrobial Effects: A New Path in Microbe Treatment

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Antimicrobial Effects of Tetraspanins: A New Turnabout in Treatment of Microorganisms
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Khairiyah Murad, Sharaniza Ab Rahim, Hassanain Al-Talib


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Antimicrobial Effects of Tetraspanins: A New Turnabout in Treatment of Microorganisms

Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2022.29.4.2

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to public health, leading to anticipated global mortality rates reaching up to 10 million by 2050 according to predictions made in 2014. In Malaysia, a concerning percentage of bacterial species have developed resistance to common antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. In response to this alarming trend, it is crucial to explore alternative strategies for combating microbial infections without triggering further resistance. One such promising strategy involves targeting host proteins, specifically tetraspanins, that facilitate microbial adhesion and invasion.

Tetraspanins: Key Players in Microbial Infections

Tetraspanins are a family of transmembrane proteins that act as "molecular organizers" within the cell membrane, forming tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) crucial for various cellular functions, including cell adhesion and signaling. They are implicated in various microbial infections, serving as entry points for pathogens such as bacteria and viruses into host cells. Research indicates that targeting tetraspanins can significantly impede the adhesion and invasion of these pathogens, making them viable candidates for antimicrobial therapy. Monoclonal antibodies and peptides that interfere with tetraspanin functions have shown potential in reducing pathogen binding, supporting their role as adjunctive treatments alongside traditional antimicrobials.

Conclusion

The growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance necessitates innovative approaches to infection management. Targeting tetraspanins represents a novel strategy, potentially allowing for the prevention of microbial attachment and entry into host cells without contributing to resistance development. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of tetraspanin-targeting treatments, including the effects of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies, in diverse microbial contexts. As multidrug-resistant pathogens continue to emerge, harnessing the vulnerabilities of host cell biology could prove essential for enhancing our arsenal against infectious diseases.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are tetraspanins and their role in cells?

Tetraspanins are transmembrane proteins that organize cellular interactions and signaling networks. They create microdomains in cell membranes, facilitating protein-protein interactions crucial for various cellular functions and potentially exploited by pathogens.

How do tetraspanins contribute to microbial infections?

Tetraspanins serve as gateways for pathogens to infect host cells. They assist in microbial binding and entry through their interactions with various proteins, thereby playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of infections caused by viruses and bacteria.

What strategies can target tetraspanins to combat microbial resistance?

Targeting tetraspanins can involve using monoclonal antibodies, peptides, or RNA interference to disrupt their functions. This approach aims to hinder microbial adherence and entry into host cells, potentially reducing the effectiveness of pathogens without developing resistance.

What is the significance of tetraspanin research in Malaysia?

Research on tetraspanins in Malaysia is crucial due to the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance. Exploring their interactions with multidrug-resistant bacteria, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, may lead to new antimicrobial strategies tailored specifically for local healthcare challenges.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Tetraspanins' Antimicrobial Effects: A New Path in Microbe Treatment”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Viru:
Viru is a reference to 'virus', which is a critical term in the study of infections. Viruses can infiltrate host cells, causing numerous diseases and contributing to global health challenges. Understanding their interactions with cellular components, including tetraspanins, is vital for developing effective treatments and preventive measures against viral diseases.

2) Disease:
Disease denotes a pathological condition that disrupts normal bodily functions. It is fundamentally important in medical studies, as understanding the mechanisms behind various diseases helps in developing therapeutic approaches. The focus on infectious diseases, particularly those exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance, highlights the need for innovative solutions in public health.

3) Study (Studying):
Study refers to a systematic examination or research process aimed at expanding knowledge in a specific field. In the context of healthcare and biology, studies play a crucial role in identifying disease mechanisms, evaluating treatments, and understanding biological functions, enabling advancements in medical science and the development of effective therapies.

4) Drug:
Drug pertains to a chemical substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent diseases. The efficacy and safety of drugs are paramount in healthcare. Investigating new drug targets, particularly those involved in microbial infections, is essential for combating the rise of antimicrobial resistance and protecting public health.

5) Surface:
Surface refers to the outermost layer of cells or membranes, significant in the context of cellular interactions and pathogen invasion. Understanding the properties and interactions at the cell surface is crucial for developing targeted therapies, especially those aiming to prevent the entry of pathogens into host cells.

6) Shirna (Sirna):
Sirna stands for small interfering RNA, which is a class of double-stranded RNA molecules that play a role in gene silencing. Sirna has potential applications in therapeutic strategies, particularly in delineating protein functions and pathways. It can downregulate specific genes, offering a pathway to interrupt disease processes caused by pathogenic organisms.

7) Activity:
Activity denotes the actions or functions of biological systems, including enzymes, cells, or organisms. Evaluating the activity of tetraspanins in microbial infections is essential for understanding how they facilitate pathogen adherence and entry. This knowledge can inform therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting these processes and mitigating infection risks.

8) Aureus:
Aureus, particularly in the context of Staphylococcus aureus, refers to a common and often pathogenic bacterium. Its relevance lies in its role in various infections and its ability to develop resistance to antibiotics. Studying its interactions with host proteins, including tetraspanins, can lead to novel therapeutic approaches against infections.

9) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to a type of drug used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting bacterial growth or killing bacteria. With rising antibiotic resistance, understanding the mechanisms of resistance and exploring alternative treatments, such as targeting host-derived pathways like tetraspanins, has become increasingly important in modern medicine.

10) Species:
Species refers to a distinct group of organisms sharing common characteristics and capable of interbreeding. In microbiology, identifying species is crucial for understanding pathogenicity, optimizing treatment strategies, and monitoring antimicrobial resistance. The diversity of bacterial species highlights the challenge in managing infections effectively.

11) Family:
Family, in biological classification, groups organisms that share structural or functional similarities. Tetraspanins belong to a family of proteins that have diverse roles in cellular functions. Understanding the interactions within the tetraspanin family aids in elucidating their collective impact on disease pathways and potential therapeutic targets.

12) Mara:
Mara is related to the Malaysian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (MyAP-AMR), highlighting local responses to antimicrobial resistance challenges. It underscores the need for national strategies to address infection control and treatment failures, emphasizing research on antimicrobial mechanisms and alternatives to traditional antibiotics in public health frameworks.

13) Hela (Helá):
HeLa refers to a continuous cell line derived from cervical cancer cells. It plays a crucial role in medical research, providing a model for studying cancer and viral infections. Utilizing HeLa cells helps in understanding the effects of treatments and the interactions of pathogens with host cellular systems.

14) Evolution:
Evolution denotes the gradual development of organisms over time through natural selection. Understanding the evolution of microbial resistance is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Analyzing evolutionary trends in microorganisms helps predict resistance patterns, impacting clinical practices and the evolution of treatment regimens.

15) Pigeon:
Pigeon refers to a type of bird, often used metaphorically to denote the role of extracellular vesicles in cellular communication and pathogen spread. In the context of viral diseases, understanding how viruses utilize extracellular vesicles, similar to 'pigeons' spreading messages, may lead to insights into their transmission and pathogenesis.

16) Table:
Table refers to a systematic arrangement of data or information, usually in rows and columns, to facilitate comparison and analysis. Tables in research articles often summarize findings, correlating various factors like tetraspanin interactions, microbial species, and treatment outcomes, aiding in visualizing and interpreting complex scientific data.

17) Line:
Line, in the context of cell lines, refers to populations of cultured cells derived from a single cell. These lines are essential for conducting experiments to study cellular behaviors, disease mechanisms, and drug responses. Cell lines like HeLa serve foundational roles in understanding viral infections and testing therapeutic interventions.

18) Post:
Post signifies the after-effects or subsequent events related to a particular phenomenon. In research, post-infection studies are crucial for understanding the outcomes of pathogenic attacks on host cells, including the roles of tetraspanins in microbial entry, aiding in the development of effective post-infection therapeutic strategies.

19) Life:
Life refers to the condition distinguishing living organisms from inorganic matter. The study of life, particularly at the cellular level, encompasses understanding biological processes, disease interactions, and the impacts of therapies. Insights gleaned from life sciences fundamentally drive advances in medicine, aiding in combatting diseases, including infections.

20) Agriculture:
Agriculture denotes the practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food production. Its relevance intersects with health, as agricultural practices can influence microbial resistance patterns. Interdisciplinary studies connecting agriculture with medicine can uncover links between environmental factors, antimicrobial use, and public health outcomes.

21) Observation:
Observation refers to the act of closely monitoring and noting phenomena. In scientific research, accurate observations are critical for understanding processes, such as how pathogens interact with host cells. Observational studies can lead to significant insights, guiding hypotheses and experimental designs in microbial and cellular studies.

22) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. It integrates knowledge from various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and public health. Advances in medicine, particularly regarding antimicrobial treatments and the understanding of host-pathogen interactions, are essential for addressing current healthcare challenges.

23) Reason:
Reason pertains to the logical basis for understanding phenomena or making decisions. In scientific research, reasoning plays a crucial role in hypothesizing, designing experiments, and interpreting results. Understanding the reasons behind disease mechanisms, particularly in the context of host-pathogen interactions, underpins the development of effective therapies.

24) Misuse:
Misuse refers to the incorrect or inappropriate use of drugs or resources. In the context of antibiotics, misuse leads to resistance, complicating treatment strategies. Recognizing patterns of misuse and addressing them through education and policy reforms is critical in combatting antimicrobial resistance and preserving treatment efficacy.

25) Roman (Roma):
Roman could refer to historical contexts or classifications in scientific nomenclature. In biology, names often have Latin origins, reflecting the historical development of the field. Understanding the etymology of terms can enrich one's grasp of the underlying principles of classification and scientific discovery within microbiology and medicine.

26) Death:
Death signifies the cessation of life processes. In medical research, it is a crucial endpoint when assessing disease severity, response to treatments, or the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies. Understanding the factors contributing to death in infectious diseases aids in developing intervention strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Tetraspanins' Antimicrobial Effects: A New Path in Microbe Treatment’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Mara, Therapeutic application, Therapeutic agent, Infectious disease, Bacterial infection, Conflict of interest, Antimicrobial properties, Microbial resistance, COVID 19, Viral Infection, Antimicrobial Treatment, Staphylococcus aureus, Antimicrobial Resistance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Antimicrobial, Multidrug resistant bacteria, Coronavirus disease-2019, Human papillomavirus, Antibodies, Keratinocytes, Microbial infection, Cell migration, Transmembrane protein, Bacterial adhesion, Cytomegalovirus infection, RNA Interference, Monoclonal antibodies, Hospital infections, Synthetic Peptides, Signal transduction, Bacterial adherence, Recombinant protein, Monoclonal antibody, Faculty of Medicine, Viral entry, Human pathogen, Ligand binding activity, Cellular signaling, Salmonella infection, Extracellular vesicles, Cell surface, Intracellular compartment, Adhesion molecule, Human macrophages.

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: