Our group is dedicated to anti-infective research with a focus on drug discovery to address the growing issue of resistance in tuberculosis (TB) and ESKAPE pathogens. The rise of drug-resistant strains, such as MDR/XDR-TB, poses significant challenges to global TB control. Our research aims to identify novel pathways and targets in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) pathogenesis, which are crucial for developing new therapeutic drugs. We are currently investigating several targets, including bacterial ATP synthase, the glyoxylate shunt pathway, Ndh-2, and Ddl. Initial research findings reveal promising hits against metabolic pathways and cell wall biosynthesis, which could significantly advance the drug discovery pipeline. We have also developed platforms for high-throughput screening and target-based screens to examine extensive chemical libraries and identify potent drugs against resistant bacterial strains.
Additionally, our group addresses the escalating problem of drug resistance among ESKAPE pathogens, which are responsible for many untreatable nosocomial infections. Our work involves exploring the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, understanding the action of antibiotics, and investigating essential cellular processes in ESKAPE pathogens. We are investigating efflux pumps, which are essential components of bacterial and mammalian cells. Most ESKAPE pathogens utilize efflux pumps to develop drug resistance. By gaining insight into their underlying mechanisms, we can explore potential avenues for novel drug discovery.
A key aspect of our research is the study of host-pathogen interactions, particularly between host macrophages and mycobacteria. By identifying host-chemical modulators, we aim to develop innovative anti-TB drugs. Recently, our efforts have led to the discovery of new chemical scaffolds with efficacy against drug-resistant and latent Mtb, which hold promise for advancement in the drug discovery pipeline