Structure of surface protein of C. difficile could lead to new drug targets

Research lead

Scientists at Imperial College London have elucidated the structure of one of the key proteins that makes up the protective coating surrounding cells of the Clostridium difficile superbug. They hope this will reveal possible targets for new antibiotics.

The surface layer, made of two different proteins, is believed to help C. difficile cells colonise the human gut. The scientists have produced the first ever high-resolution images of the structure of one of the proteins, known as LMW-SLP. They also produced lower resolution images of the two surface layer proteins linked together into the building block which makes up the layer overall. Without the surface layer, the pathogen cannot function.

Understanding the surface layer could also be the key to developing a vaccine against C. difficile.

Neil Fairweather, from the Department of Life Sciences, said, “This is the first time anyone has gained detailed information about the molecular structure of C. difficile's protective jacket, because analysing the two protein components is painstakingly difficult work. We're confident that continuing this work to better understand the formation of this protective coat and its exact function will reveal new targets for effective drugs to beat this dangerous pathogen, and could even lead to an effective vaccine.”

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