Cytoskeletal Dysregulation Underlies Buruli Ulcer Formation: Research

Buruli ulcers are open skin lesions caused when myobacterium ulcerans infects the skin and subcutaneous tissues and secretes a lipid toxin, mycolactone. In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers led by Caroline Demangel at the Pasteur Institue in Paris investigated the molecular actions of mycolactone and found that it dysregulates the cellular skeleton (cytoskeleton) through activation of a protein known as N-WASP.

They found that excessive N-WASP activity caused defects in cell adhesion and migration that impaired the integrity of the skin. Demangel and colleagues demonstrated that they could block the degradation process by administration of the N-WASP inhibitor wiskostatin. These results reveal the molecular pathogenesis of M. ulcerans and suggest that drugs that disrupt mycolactone/N-WASP interaction could be used to treat Buruli ulcers.

Genetic Diversity of the Bacteria That Cause Buruli Ulcer Revealed
Study lays the groundwork for development of a cost-effective tool for studying the population structure and spread of Mycobacterium ulcerans

Source-Eurekalert

Researchers Opine WHO Guidelines on Buruli Ulcer Need Adjustment
It is well-known that buruli ulcers, one of the 'neglected tropical diseases' left aside by big pharma and governments alike, are reasonably well treatable

Clay may Help to Ward Off Infections Like MRSA, E. Coli
Dirt may soon be prescribed by doctors, if researchers investigating the age-old healing properties of a type of French clay have their way.

Diabetic Ulcers A Probable Cause Of Depression
Depression caused by ulcers is one side effect people with diabetes face. Diabetic ulcers occur on the feet and are caused by high blood sugar