Bdelloid rotifers, also known as ‚crawling wheel-animals,‘ are small freshwater creatures that have recently been discovered to protect themselves from infections using antibiotic recipes „stolen“ from bacteria. A team of researchers from the University of Oxford, the University of Stirling, and the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole conducted a study that revealed this fascinating defense mechanism in the tiny rotifers.
When exposed to fungal infections, the rotifers activate hundreds of genes that they acquired from bacteria and other microbes. Some of these genes produce resistance weapons, such as antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, which help the rotifers combat diseases. This groundbreaking discovery was reported in a recent study published in Nature Communications.
Lead study author Chris Wilson from the University of Oxford expressed surprise at the findings, stating that the genes acquired by the rotifers contained instructions for chemicals that were previously thought to be beyond the capabilities of animals. This discovery sheds light on the unique evolutionary adaptation of rotifers to utilize genes from microbes for self-defense.
The ability of rotifers to „steal“ genes from their surroundings and use them against diseases is unprecedented in the animal kingdom. These complex genes, some of which are not found in any other animals, have evolved within rotifers to produce novel antimicrobials. This opens up the possibility of developing new drugs that are less toxic to animals, including humans, compared to traditional antibiotics.
Antibiotics play a crucial role in modern healthcare, but the rise of antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat. The World Health Organization has emphasized the urgent need for the development of new antibiotics to combat resistant microbes. The discovery of rotifers using antibiotic genes acquired from bacteria offers a promising avenue for the development of novel antimicrobial treatments.
The genes acquired by rotifers encode enzymes that assemble amino acids into non-ribosomal peptides, which are essential for combating infections. By studying the synthesis of these compounds in rotifers, researchers hope to identify potential drug candidates that could be used to treat human infections caused by bacteria or fungi.
One intriguing aspect of rotifers is their unique reproductive strategy, which involves a lack of sexual reproduction. This asexual reproduction leads to genetic uniformity among rotifers, making them susceptible to diseases. The acquisition of foreign genes from microbes may be a survival strategy for rotifers to cope with infections and prevent extinction.
In conclusion, the study of rotifers and their use of stolen DNA for self-defense presents a fascinating insight into the evolutionary adaptations of these tiny creatures. The potential for developing new drugs based on the antibiotic recipes found in rotifers opens up exciting possibilities for future medical treatments. Further research into the genetic mechanisms of rotifers could provide valuable insights into the transfer of genes between different species and the development of novel antimicrobial therapies.
