St Andrews: New target for the development of novel antibiotics

Licensing opportunity

Scientists at St Andrews University, Scotland, have uncovered the structure of Rm1A, an enzyme that makes a critical contribution to the formation of L-rhamnose, a chemical compound that is a key determining factor in the virulence of a wide range of pathogenic bacteria.

Although L-rhamnose occurs on the cell wall of many pathogenic microorganisms, it is absent from mammalian cells. Along with RmlA, three other enzymes, RmlB, RmlC and RmlD, are required for the synthesis of L-rhamnose. As RmlA catalyses the first of four steps resulting in the synthesis of L-rhamnose, it is an attractive target in the development of novel antibiotics.

St Andrews’ intellectual property includes a purified and crystallised form of RmlA and its X-ray structure. In addition, it also provides a method of selecting agents which inhibit RmlA.

This technology could be used to select anti-microbial compounds for further development. It has been shown that one anti-bacterial agent can bind to RmlA sufficiently tightly to impede the biosynthesis of L-rhamnose, and thus the growth of the micro-organism.

St. Andrews has applied for European and Canadian patents. As yet, there are no commercial parties involved, and the university is looking for potential partners interested in entering into a licensing arrangement.