Tiny animals found to be stealing antibiotic recipes from bacteria in new study

Bdelloid rotifers, the strange little animals that have been copying DNA from microbes for millions of years, have recently caught the attention of scientists for their unique ability to produce antibiotics. A study led by Dr. Chris Wilson from the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford has shed light on how these microscopic creatures use genes stolen from bacteria and other microbes to fight off infections caused by fungi.

These bdelloid rotifers, which are commonly found in moss, ponds, and soil, are smaller than a hair’s breadth but possess all the essential features of animals, including a head, mouth, gut, muscles, and nerves. When infected, the study revealed that these rotifers activate hundreds of genes that have been incorporated into their DNA from various microorganisms. Some of these genes are responsible for producing antibiotics and other protective chemicals that help combat diseases.

Dr. Wilson expressed surprise at the discovery of genes in the rotifers that code for antibiotics, a capability previously thought to be exclusive to bacteria and fungi. This finding suggests that these animals have been utilizing these stolen genes actively against diseases, a phenomenon not observed in any other known animal species.

The research, published in Nature Communications, implies that bdelloid rotifers could hold the key to developing new drugs to treat infections caused by bacteria and fungi, a pressing need highlighted by the World Health Organization due to the rise of antibiotic resistance. The unique genetic makeup of rotifers, which differs from known microbial genes, presents an exciting opportunity for the development of novel medicines.

One of the challenges in drug development is the toxicity and side effects associated with many antibiotic chemicals. However, if rotifers are already producing similar chemicals safely within their cells, they could serve as a valuable resource for creating safer treatments for various infections in humans and other animals.

The study also uncovered that rotifers possess genes that enable them to synthesize antibiotics and complex chemicals through giant enzymes called synthetases. This assembly line process is unique to rotifers and not found in other animals, making them a fascinating subject for further investigation into the chemicals they produce.

The absence of males in rotifer populations, with females reproducing through genetic copies of themselves, raises questions about their vulnerability to diseases. The theory proposed by Professor Tim Barraclough suggests that the high rate of gene borrowing in rotifers may be linked to their asexual reproduction, which could make the entire population susceptible to infections.

Dr. Nowell emphasized the importance of studying the genes borrowed by rotifers, which include not only antibiotic recipes but also genes resembling those from plants. This discovery adds to the growing understanding of gene transfer between different life forms and highlights the potential of rotifers in advancing drug development.

In conclusion, the study on bdelloid rotifers and their use of horizontally acquired biosynthetic genes against fungal pathogens opens up new avenues for research in drug discovery and evolutionary biology. The unique genetic adaptations of these tiny creatures offer valuable insights into combating antibiotic resistance and developing safer and more effective treatments for infections.