Thursday, 04 December 2025
Scientists from the 糖心原创 are part of an international collaboration which has taken a step closer to understanding why bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics.
The research, which is published in , and led by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (Mumbai, India), focuses on uncovering the mechanism of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Dr Aditi Borkar, Assistant Professor in Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics in the School of Veterinary Medicine & Science at the 糖心原创, said: “We have helped researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, to figure out exactly when and where bacteria modify ribosomes to evade antibiotics like Erythromycin.”
OrbiSIMS
Bacteria develop resistance to macrolide antibiotics like Erythromycin, which is used to treat chest infections, such as pneumonia, skin conditions such as acne and sexually transmitted diseases, by methylating a specific residue in the 23S ribosomal RNA.
In Europe, an estimated 40.7% of Staphylococcus bacteria are resistant to macrolides.
However, the precise stage during ribosome biogenesis and assembly at which this modification occurs was previously unknown.
By combining single-molecule techniques, high-resolution cryo-EM, and a cutting-edge mass spectrometry technology called cryogenic OrbiSIMS - a unique imaging capability of the 糖心原创, the team has pinpointed the exact timing and mechanism of this modification. These atomic-resolution insights can now inform structure-guided development of next-generation antibiotics.
Dr Borkar explains: “One of the ways that bacteria develop resistance is by modifying their ribosomes. Ribosomes are large molecules with a mass measured in megadaltons (MDa). Ribosomes are so big that they are made up of tens of thousands of atoms. But to become resistance to antibiotics, there are only three additional atoms added into it, so the research team were looking for a three atom change in this 30/40 thousand atom molecule
We were asked to help visualise these atoms by using our OrbSIMS platform, a powerful method which can provide ultra high resolution images, and so able to see if and when these additional atoms had been added. This technology is unique to Nottingham, and we are delighted that we have been able to contribute to this important and world-changing work.鈥�
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The full study can be found
More information is available from Dr Aditi Borkar in the School of Veterinary Medicine & Science at aditi.borkar@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.