14-Apr-2021 | Market Research Store
Bacteria are present around us and thus, the chances of humans being exposed to it also increases. There are a few pathogenic bacteria that can cause diseases. The latest study focuses on the bacterial infection, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which affects the stomach. It is known to cause ulcers, chronic inflammation (gastritis), or even cancer. The team from Osaka University has found the bacteria to use a specific molecular mechanism to adapt and grow in the human stomach over a period of time. A small RNA molecule named HPnc4160 was found to play an important role in commencing the H. pylori’s invasion into the stomach and lead to the disease.
The molecule HPnc4160 is found to be protected in diverse strains of H. pylori. The amount of this molecule is found to be variably produced in the bacterial strains. The genetic study showed H. pylori gene named the T-repeat region to vary in length in different strains. The team is studying how this region had an impact on the HPnc4160 expression and also the effect of such variations in colonizing in the human stomach. The slightest of the changes in the genetic sequence of H. pylori can offer advantages that will allow it to grow. The researchers are trying to analyze how some bacteria are more pathogenic and survive for decades in the stomach, thereby causing cancer.
The researchers through experimental study found low HPnc4160 levels in the strains to be the reason behind the infectious nature. The absence of this RNA showed an increase in other pathogenic factors and thereby, enhanced the colonizing capacity in the stomach. The protein factor named CagA or oncoprotein is known to commence cancerous growth. On detailed studying, the researchers found the people with gastric cancer to have long T-repeat regions, high levels of CagA, and low levels of HPnc4160. This study is expected to help develop advanced therapeutics for the treatment of illness related to H. pylori.