Researchers name newly discovered deadly fungi-killing compounds after
Keanu Reeves
German researchers have found 3 natural compounds potent at killing
fungi
, and have named them after actor Keanu Reeves.
The compounds are now called as keanumycins, are a byproduct of the bacteria Pseudomonas and are effective solution against plant and human-pathogenic fungi.
The
discovery
is significant because many known antifungals are becoming less effective due to the rise of fungal resistance.
Researchers came across the compounds while studying
Pseudomonas
for its use against predatory amoebas.
The lipopeptides in keanumycins are commonly found in bacteria.
The compounds were discovered to be lethal to fungi and could be used against them due to their cell structure similarity to amoebas.
This could bring a new development in potential treatment for fungal infections in humans & could offer hope in the current anti-infective crisis.
The crisis has surfaced partly due to the overuse of antifungals in agriculture that is leading to increased resistance in human-pathogenic fungi.
The study points out the importance of exploring alternative sources for antimicrobial compounds.
MORE STORIES