Ancient Proteins Revived to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs
Biologists at the University of Oregon have successfully resurrected prehistoric proteins dating back approximately 160 million years, discovering that these ancient molecules possess potent antimicrobial properties capable of targeting drug-resistant bacteria. The findings, published August 25 in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS Biology, focus on lactoferrin, an immune system protein found across nearly all modern mammals. Led by evolutionary biologist Matt Barber and doctoral student Titas Sil, the research team worked backward through mammalian evolutionary history to reconstruct ancestral peptide sequences that could help inform the development of next-generation antibiotics against modern pathogens.
Resurrecting Jurassic Proteins to Fight Modern Superbugs
- University of Oregon researchers resurrected 160-million-year-old lactoferrin proteins using ancestral sequence reconstruction.
- Laboratory evaluations showed that certain extinct antimicrobial peptides exhibited higher potency against drug-resistant bacterial strains than several contemporary equivalents.
- The study highlights evolutionary pathways that could inspire alternative treatments to supplement failing 20th-century antibiotics.
Mapping the Body’s Innate First Line of Defense
The investigation centers on lactoferrin, an essential protein present in human and mammalian bodily fluids such as breast milk, tears, saliva, and mucus. Unlike blood, these fluids utilize lactoferrin to sequester iron—a vital nutrient required for pathogenic bacterial proliferation—while simultaneously employing built-in antimicrobial peptides designed to disrupt and rupture bacterial cell membranes. According to Titas Sil, lead author of the study and doctoral student in the Barber laboratory at the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences, these peptides form a critical component of the body’s innate first line of defense against a wide array of infections.
Tracing Genetic Lineage Back to the Late Jurassic
Because close protein relatives of lactoferrin lack this direct bacteria-killing mechanism, the researchers deduced that the pathogen-fighting trait emerged after the protein first appeared in the mammalian lineage. To isolate how the antimicrobial function evolved, the research team utilized ancestral sequence reconstruction. By comparing current gene sequences from organisms such as cows and humans, doctoral researcher Titas Sil statistically inferred the genetic makeup of their common ancestors reaching back to the late Jurassic Period.
Synthesizing Extinct Peptides in Cellular Models
Following the statistical estimation, the team synthesized the predicted genes and regenerated the ancient proteins in cellular models. Subsequent laboratory testing revealed that certain extinct peptides demonstrated more potent against drug-resistant bacteria compared to their modern counterparts.
Fueling Drug Discovery Pipelines and Preclinical Trials
The study provides foundational data for drug discovery pipelines seeking to address growing antimicrobial resistance. While current antibiotics developed in the 20th century face declining efficacy due to rapid microbial evolution, studying evolutionary history offers a view of natural experiments that succeeded over millions of years.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.*