
Beating biofilms
Bacterial infection can be tough to treat because bacteria can congregate biofilms—colonies that can shield the bulk of the bacteria from antibiotic treatment. Now, a study by Dr. Ayelet Erez of the Department of Biological Regulation and Dr. Ilana Kolodkin-Gal of the Department of Molecular Genetics has shown how glutamine or glutamate—two factors that biofilms depend on as a source of nitrogen — can be targeted by drugs. This study identifies an “Achilles’ heel” that can help create new and more effective strategies for treating bacterial infections. The scientists’ findings have important implications for human health, as well as the control of biofilms harmful to plants.