How computer modeling could revolutionize antibiotic resistance treatment

Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed computer models that could help create more targeted antibiotics, reducing the risk of bacterial resistance to drugs, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

In the article published in PLOS Biology, the scientists describe using genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions (GENRE) to analyze the metabolic traits of pathogenic bacteria. This approach revealed specific metabolic features characteristic of bacteria living in different parts of the body, such as the stomach.

“Using our computer models we found that the bacteria living in the stomach had unique properties.These properties can be used to guide design of targeted antibiotics, which could hopefully one day slow the emergence of resistant infections,” says researcher, PhD student, Emma Glass in a press release.

Traditional antibiotics target a broad range of bacteria, increasing the likelihood of resistance developing. New approaches based on computer modeling allow for the creation of "laser-like" antibiotics, which are directed at specific bacteria in targeted areas of the body. This reduces the overall impact of antibiotics on the body and lowers the chances of bacteria developing resistance.

“Many biomedical challenges are incredibly complex, and computer models are emerging as a powerful tool for tackling such problems. We’re hopeful that these computer models of the molecular networks in bacteria will help us develop new strategies to treat infections,” says researcher Jason Papin, PhD, of UVA’s Department of Biomedical Engineering.

Although the research is still in its early stages, laboratory test results indicate that targeted antibiotics can effectively suppress the survival and spread of pathogenic bacteria.

“We still have much to do to test these ideas for other bacteria and types of infections, but this work shows the incredible promise of data science and computer modeling for tackling some of the most important problems in biomedical research,” Papin said.

Earlier, Kazinform News Agency reported on polygenic genome editing, which involves modifying multiple genetic variants simultaneously.