Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) researchers, based at The University of Queensland have led a team to a significant discovery with implications for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
Published in the prestigious US journal Science, the scientists from the IMB and the Technical University of Denmark described a possible way of preventing a particular bacterial infection experienced by many CF patients.
The researchers discovered that the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be prevented by disrupting the formation of biofilms – an important element in the development of chronic and persistent infections.
IMB Co-Director and co-author of the paper Professor John Mattick said that infection by this bacteria resulted in inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs of CF patients.
"CF is a genetic disease affecting one in every 2 500 Australian babies. It is characterised by the build-up of thick sticky mucus in the lungs and pancreas leading to breathing difficulties and nutritional problems," Professor Mattick said.
"During lung infection P. aeruginosa creates a biofilm, a soup rich in proteins, complex sugars and DNA. This biofilm plays a vital role in establishing bacterial colonies that are also resistant to antibiotics and the host`s immune response.
"Scientists have known for a while that the biofilm of this pathogen has a high DNA content. Our research showed that treating the biofilm with an enzyme called DNaseI, which breaks down DNA into its component molecules, destroys the biofilm and restricts the establishment of infectious colonies."
The results suggest that prevention of the formation of biofilms using DNaseI treatment may be beneficial as an early prophylactic measure to prevent the establishment of P. aeruginosa infection in the lungs of people with CF.
"DNaseI is already being used as a therapy by CF patients to help clear the lungs of fluid and using DNaseI as a prophylactic may be another string in the bow in the management of this disease," Professor Mattick said.
Authors of the paper were Dr Cynthia Whitchurch and Professor John Mattick from the IMB at The University of Queensland as well as Dr Tim Tolker-Neilsen and Dr Paula Ragas from the Molecular Microbial Ecology Group at the Technical University of Denmark.
The IMB is one of Australia`s leading bioscience research institutes linking leading edge facilities with state-of-the-art research to better understand human biology and develop new drugs, diagnostics and disease therapies.
Media: For more information please contact Russell Griggs (07 3365 1805) or Helen Weatherley (0421 056 980).
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