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Bacterial therapeutics

Abstract

Two recent papers describe the genomes of bacteria that are intimately associated with abnormal human tissues — one being the causative agent of Buruli ulcer (Mycobacterium ulcerans) and the other a potential therapeutic agent for cancer (Clostridium novyi). In both cases, a single compound seems to be crucial for the host–bacterium interaction.

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Figure 1: Mycobacterium ulcerans infection.
Figure 2: The structure of mycolactone.

References

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DATABASES

Entrez Genome Project

Clostridium novyi

Mycobacterium leprae

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium ulcerans

FURTHER INFORMATION

WHO Global Buruli Ulcer Initiative

Mycobacterium marinum genome project

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Bentley, S., Sebaihia, M. Bacterial therapeutics. Nat Rev Microbiol 5, 170–171 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro1633

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