Antibiotics found in frogs offer a possible way to combat superbacteria

The team, which did their work in laboratory experiments and animal models, found in the frogs a “unconventional” source for the possible obtaining of innovative treatments that respond to “the pressing need” of solutions against antibiotic -resistant bacteria.

Specifically, synthetic peptides developed -obtained from natural compounds found in the frog species Odorrana andersonii- that show a “promising potential” in the fight against gram-negative bacterial infectionsalways difficult to treat. The results are published in Trends in Biotechnology.

The amphibians, such as frogs, use powerful antimicrobial peptides as the first line of defense against infections, details a statement.

Inspired by these natural molecules, researchers developed synthetic versions specifically adapted to combat gram-negative pathogens.

By modifying key characteristics, such as the capacity of the molecules to join the bacterial membranes (hydrophobicity) and their electric charge, the equipment managed to create compounds that aggressively attack harmful bacteria, without affecting healthy human cells or the intestine microbiota.

The design used “It has allowed to create synthetic peptides with a specific approach in harmful pathogens, which allows minimizing unwanted effects ”Angela Cesaro said, for whom this method also decreases the risk of resistance and offers “a more sophisticated alternative to conventional antibiotics.”

These synthetic peptides were effective in laboratory experiments and preclinical animal models, obtaining results similar to those of established antibiotics such as polymixin B and levofloxacin.

In addition, the initial findings suggest that these peptides do not seem to stimulate antibiotic resistance, “an especially encouraging advantage”, since conventional medications lose effectiveness against bacteria that adapt rapidly.

For Lucía Ageitos Castiñeiras, in contrast to conventional broad spectrum antibiotics, their peptides “are specifically directed to Gram-Negative pathogens, while keeping gram-positive bacteria and the beneficial microorganisms of the intestine intact.”

“This is a rare and valuable feature that could lead to the development of more precise and advanced antimicrobial therapies,” he added.

The Spanish César de la Fuente, who leads the investigation, He said that these synthetic peptides have demonstrated a notable potential in preclinical trials and could, in the future, cover “the gaps left by failed antibiotics.”

“By inspiring ourselves in nature, we aspire to develop effective therapies that avoid resistance problems,” said the scientist of the “Machine Biology” group at the University of Pennsylvania.

In work, bioengineering, synthetic biology and computational modeling converge, an intersection that has produced a new class of antimicrobial candidates.

The study involves “an important step” towards safer and precise treatments, reducing the risk of promoting the emergence of new superbacteria, according to scientists.