| title: | The mechanisms of antibiotic action. |
|---|---|
| reg no: | SF0182564s03 |
| project type: | targeted financing |
| subject: |
1.6-1.9. Chemistry and Molecular Biology 2. Engineering 3. Medical Sciences |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | Tartu University Institute of Technology |
| head of project: | Tanel Tenson |
| duration: | 01.01.2003 - 31.12.2007 |
| description: | Current application brings together three tigthly connected topics of research. Firstly, we characterize the biochemical mechanisms of action of several inhibitors of protein biosynthesis. We focus mainly on the antibiotics from the macrolide, lincosamide, streptogramine B and chloramphenicol families. These families of inhibitors of protein biosynthesis contain several clinically important compounds. In addition, these families of antibiotics often serve as lead compounds for development of new and more efficient antimicrobial drugs. On the other hand, the exact biochemical mechanisms of action of these antibiotics are not clear. Secondly, we will characterize the reasons for bacteriocidal action of antibiotics. When the antibiotic molecules bind to their target in the microbial cell the growth of bacteria stoppes (bactriostatic action), and often the bacteria die (bacteriocidal action). Some antimicrobial compounds have bacteriocidal action, other can cause only bacteriostasis. For developing new antibiotics it is important to understand why and how antimicrobial compounds cause the death of bacterial cells. Thirdly, we will study the role of microbial secondary metabolites in the natural environment. It is not known why and in which growth conditions some cyanobacteria produce toxins. Similarly, the role of antibiotics in the natural microbial societies is obscure. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Niilo Kaldalu | Tartu University Institute of Technology | vanemteadur | |
| 2. | Veljo Kisand | Tartu University Institute of Technology | vanemteadur | |
| 3. | Liina Kosenkranius | University of Tartu | laborant | |
| 4. | Maido Remm | Tartu University Institute of Technology | vanemteadur | |
| 5. | Aksel Soosaar | University of Tartu | vanemteadur | |
| 6. | Tanel Tenson | Tartu University Institute of Technology | vanemteadur | |
| 7. | Vladimir Vimberg | University of Tartu | magistrant | |