Starving Bacteria to Fight Lyme Disease: A Novel Approach from UCF Researchers
Lyme disease, a painful and debilitating condition caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, affects over 475,000 people in the U.S. annually. While medicine can treat infections after they occur, a team of researchers at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is taking a proactive approach by aiming to starve the bacteria of the nutrients it needs to survive and spread. This innovative strategy, funded by a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), builds upon over a decade of research led by Mollie Jewett, a professor and head of the Immunity and Pathogenesis Research Division at UCF's College of Medicine.
The Challenge of Borrelia burgdorferi
Borrelia burgdorferi, the culprit behind Lyme disease, faces a unique challenge. It must adapt to two distinct environments: the tick and the mammal. This adaptability allows it to thrive and spread, causing severe symptoms in humans. Jewett's team is focused on understanding the bacteria's nutritional needs, describing it as a "wimpy pathogen" due to its reliance on scavenging for nutrients.
Unraveling the Riboflavin Mystery
The researchers' recent discovery centers around riboflavin, a vitamin B2 precursor. They found that Borrelia burgdorferi salvages riboflavin from its hosts, using it for cellular activities essential to its metabolism. By targeting a specific gene crucial for riboflavin consumption, the team aims to starve the bacteria of this vital nutrient.
Potential Impact and Collaboration
If successful, this approach could lead to targeted therapies that prevent Borrelia burgdorferi infections without the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics. This is significant because general antibiotics can harm beneficial bacteria and contribute to antibiotic resistance. The UCF team is collaborating with Baylor University scientists to trace riboflavin's role in the bacteria, a crucial step in developing effective treatments.
Student-Driven Discovery
The UCF team's research is not just groundbreaking but also empowering for its students. Anna Schulz, a biomedical sciences doctoral student, played a pivotal role in understanding how Borrelia uses riboflavin for energy. Her leadership in the project, as the first author on a recent publication, showcases the team's commitment to fostering student growth and ownership in research.
Additionally, Grace Easterling, a third-year biomedical sciences undergraduate, was drawn to the lab due to her personal experience with Lyme disease. Her determination to find new treatments and understand the bacteria is a testament to the power of personal connection in scientific discovery.
Looking Ahead
As the research progresses, the team's focus on riboflavin and its role in Borrelia burgdorferi's survival opens up exciting possibilities for targeted therapies. The collaboration with Baylor University scientists will be crucial in unraveling the full picture of riboflavin's utilization by the bacteria. With continued support from the NIH, UCF researchers are poised to make significant strides in the fight against Lyme disease, offering hope for more effective and specific treatments in the future.
