Development of Novel Antimicrobial Drugs Targeting Orphan Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase in Streptococcus Pyogenes
Faculty Mentor
Dr Mark dela Cerna
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Biochemistry,Chemistry and Physics.
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria are well recognized for causing thousands of human diseases with varying degrees of severity. Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a human pathogen responsible for conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and rheumatic heart disease. The orphan protein tyrosine phosphatase SP-PTP plays a crucial role in regulating the virulence of GAS, influencing its proliferation, adhesion, invasion, and overall infection severity. These attributes position SP-PTP as a promising target for developing antibiotics aimed at preventing GAS-related diseases. The research focuses on identifying and synthesizing both small molecule and nanobody-based inhibitors of SP-PTP, employing biophysical methods to elucidate their mechanisms of inhibition. This comprehensive strategy seeks to interfere with critical pathogenic processes of S. pyogenes, paving the way for new antimicrobial treatments.
Program Description
.
Start Date
4-21-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-21-2026 3:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Ouedraogo, Pangbewindin H.B; dela Cerna, Mark V.; and Agbowuro, Ayodeji A., "Development of Novel Antimicrobial Drugs Targeting Orphan Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase in Streptococcus Pyogenes" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 83.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/83
Development of Novel Antimicrobial Drugs Targeting Orphan Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase in Streptococcus Pyogenes
Savannah Ballroom
Pathogenic bacteria are well recognized for causing thousands of human diseases with varying degrees of severity. Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a human pathogen responsible for conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome, and rheumatic heart disease. The orphan protein tyrosine phosphatase SP-PTP plays a crucial role in regulating the virulence of GAS, influencing its proliferation, adhesion, invasion, and overall infection severity. These attributes position SP-PTP as a promising target for developing antibiotics aimed at preventing GAS-related diseases. The research focuses on identifying and synthesizing both small molecule and nanobody-based inhibitors of SP-PTP, employing biophysical methods to elucidate their mechanisms of inhibition. This comprehensive strategy seeks to interfere with critical pathogenic processes of S. pyogenes, paving the way for new antimicrobial treatments.
