Recombinant endolysins: their use as biopharmaceuticals and diagnosis.

Abstract

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and represent a natural source for the identification of antimicrobial molecules. Among these molecules are endolysins, enzymes that degrade the cell wall at the end of the bacteriophage lytic cycle and are specific at the level of bacterial species. Numerous studies have tested the activity of these enzymes against Gram-positive bacteria, showing bacterial lysis in a few minutes. Endolysins are of interest given their high specificity for a certain type of bacteria, being a very useful tool for the treatment of bacterial infections and their diagnosis.Dr. Bentancor's work group identified sequences of endolysins present in lysogenic prophages in the genomes of bacteria belonging to S. aureus and S. agalactiae. The cloning and expression of one of the endolysins belonging to S. aureus was carried out.In this project we propose to optimize expression and purification times by working in the laboratory of Dr. Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira, who has extensive experience in protein purification.Dr. Bentancor's work group have three endolysins (one already expressed and which has proven biological activity against Staphylococcus aureus and the two endolysins to be expressed in the Laboratory of Dr. Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreria) will allow not only to evaluate the synergy in therapeutic terms of these biopharmaceuticals, but also develop a diagnostic technique for these infections.The results obtained could lead to innovative products marketable for both countries. (AU)