Jena, September 25, 2026. Scientists at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena and the Leibniz-HKI have decoded the molecular remodeling process of bacterial substances. The study provides new insights into microbial adaptability.
- Topic: Molecular remodeling of pandorachelin in Pandoraea bacteria
- Participating Institutions: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Leibniz-HKI, Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”
- Publication: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
When people think of remodeling, they usually envision scaffolding and construction sites. However, such processes do not only occur in buildings: they also take place at the molecular level. Researchers at the Leibniz-HKI and the Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena have now shown in detail how Pandoraea bacteria modify the properties of the natural products they produce, known as pandorachelins, through targeted molecular remodeling.
The molecular remodeling process of pandorachelins
Pandorachelins are peptides synthesized by the bacteria. Through chemical modifications to their molecular structure, the microorganisms alter their effect and stability. This mechanism allows the bacteria to flexibly adapt their biochemical tools to changing environmental conditions. The results of this basic research were published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
Medical relevance for infection treatment
The insights gained into these biochemical processes are not only significant from a biological perspective but could also become relevant for medicine in the long term. Pandoraea bacteria can trigger infections as opportunistic pathogens in certain patient groups, such as people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases. Understanding how these pathogens adapt at the molecular level and assert themselves in various habitats forms an important basis for developing new approaches to treat persistent infections in the future.
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Background: Microbial biodiversity in Jena
The Jena-based Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” is dedicated to researching the interaction of microorganisms with their environment. The focus is particularly on how microbial communities react to disturbances and which molecular mechanisms underlie their adaptability. In this area, the University of Jena and the Leibniz-HKI combine their expertise at the intersection of microbiology, chemistry, and drug research.
Source:
Bacteria remodel peptide for new role
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.