Shanghai Xinfan Bio: Zinc blocks the absorption of manganese by Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the bacteria are cleared

Researchers have uncovered a groundbreaking mechanism by which zinc can "starve" the bacteria *Streptococcus pneumoniae* by blocking its ability to absorb manganese. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing targeted antibacterial treatments against this dangerous pathogen. *S. pneumoniae* is responsible for severe infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, and it remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, particularly among children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, killing over a million people annually. While it has long been known that zinc plays a role in the body's defense against bacterial infections, this study marks the first time scientists have identified the specific molecular pathway through which zinc disrupts the bacteria’s ability to take in manganese—a critical metal for its survival and virulence. The research focuses on a bacterial transporter called PsaBCA, which normally allows *S. pneumoniae* to absorb manganese from the host environment. The team discovered that this transporter uses a unique "spring-hammer" mechanism to bind metals. Because zinc is smaller than manganese, it binds differently to the transporter, causing it to become overly restricted and preventing the uptake of manganese. This blockage essentially starves the bacteria, making it vulnerable to the immune system. Without manganese, the bacteria lose their ability to cause disease and are more easily cleared by the body. This interdisciplinary study combines insights from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology to reveal how the PsaBCA transporter functions at an atomic level. Understanding this process not only sheds light on bacterial survival strategies but also provides a clear target for future antimicrobial therapies. Scientists can now work on designing next-generation drugs that specifically inhibit these transporters, offering a promising approach to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of *S. pneumoniae*. In addition to this scientific breakthrough, the company offers a wide range of laboratory tools and services, including: - ELISA Kit - ELISA Kit - Shanghai Elisa - Experimental Survey - SOD Kit - IgG Kit - IgM Kit - WB Experimental Generation - Immunohistochemistry Experiment - Free Test - GIBCO, AMRESCO - Shanghai Xinfan Biological Whether you're conducting research or looking for reliable reagents, our products support high-quality experiments and accurate results.

Smart Multimeter

Smart Multimeter ,Smart Digital Multimeter,Digital Smart Multimeter,Multimeter Smart

YINTE TOOLS (NINGBO) CO., LTD , https://www.yinte-tools.com