University of Exeter researchers have used the CRISPR-Cas gene editing system to create a plasmid that targets antibiotic resistance genes, effectively preventing and reversing resistance. The tool shows promising early results in laboratory experiments, opening up a potential new way to combat the
A new tool that could help reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance is showing early promise, through exploiting a bacterial immune system as a gene editing tool.
Antimicrobial resistance is a major global threat, with nearly five million deaths annually resulting from antibiotics failing to treat infection, according to theBacteria often develop resistance when resistant genes are transported between hosts. One way that this occurs is via plasmids – circular strands of, which can spread easily between bacteria, and swiftly replicate. This can occur in our bodies, and in environmental settings, such as waterways.
A promising new gene editing tool that could be key to reducing the spread of Antimicrobial Resistance has been developed by researchers at the University of Exeter University, UK. Credit: Microbiology Society, found that the plasmid protected its host cell from developing resistance. Furthermore, researchers found that the plasmid effectively targeted antimicrobial resistant genes in hosts to which it transferred, reversing their resistance.
Lead author David Walker-Sünderhauf, of the University of Exeter, said: “Antimicrobial resistance threatens to outstrip covid in terms of the number of global deaths. We urgently need new ways to stop resistance spreading between hosts. Our technology is showing early promise to eliminate resistance in a wide range of different bacteria. Our next step is to conduct experiments in more complex microbial communities.
Reference: “Removal of AMR plasmids using a mobile, broad host-range, CRISPR-Cas9 delivery tool” 25 May 2023,
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