Selective killing of bacterial persisters by a single chemical compound without affecting normal antibiotic-sensitive cells

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2011 Nov;55(11):5380-3. doi: 10.1128/AAC.00708-11. Epub 2011 Aug 15.

Abstract

We show that 3-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]piperidin-4-yl biphenyl-4-carboxylate (C10), screened out of a chemical library, selectively kills bacterial persisters that tolerate antibiotic treatment but does not affect normal antibiotic-sensitive cells. C10 led persisters to antibiotic-induced cell death by causing reversion of persisters to antibiotic-sensitive cells. This work is the first demonstration in which the eradication of bacterial persisters is based on single-chemical supplementation. The chemical should be versatile in elucidating the mechanism of persistence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents