Research at Fließwasser lab

Within the DZIF research group “Bacterial Interference”, we exploit the human gut microbiome as a source for novel decolonization agents. Advanced cultivation techniques such as co-cultivation of several bacteria or supplying bacteria with growth factors, in particular under anaerobic conditions, are applied to exploit this resource for novel compounds.

Furthermore, we have developed an in vitro gut community model, which we are using to evaluate decolonization strategies against enteropathogens. Here, we currently focus on bacteriophages, bacteriocins and competitor species as decolonizing agents.

Research Focus

Members

Publications

News

Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteriocin A37 kills natural competitors with a unique mechanism of action

Many bacteria produce substances to gain an advantage over competitors in their highly competitive natural environment. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) have discovered a new antibiotic-active peptide from the group of so-called lantibiotics—namely epilancin A37. It is produced by staphylococci that colonise the skin and act specifically against their main competitors there, the corynebacteria. This specificity is presumably mediated by a very special mechanism of action, which the researchers were able to decipher in detail. Their results have now been published in the renowned ISME Journal.

All News

Contact

Dr. rer. nat. Thomas Fließwasser

Commissarial Junior Group Leader

fliesswasser@uni-bonn.de

+49 228 73-7923

room 0.005

Meckenheimer Allee 168

53115 Bonn