SAVING LIVES WITH PLATYPUS MILK

Photo: Laura Romin & Larry Dalton, Wildlife Reflections Photography

An Australian breakthrough has introduced an unlikely hero in the global fight against antibiotic resistance: the platypus. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria build up a resistance to antibiotics and pass it on to the next generation, leading to persistent infections caused by resistant ‘superbugs’. In 2010, scientists discovered that platypus milk contained unique antibacterial properties. Now, a team of CSIRO researchers working with Deakin University has helped explain why platypus milk is so potent. The discovery was made by replicating a special protein contained in platypus milk in a laboratory setting. Platypuses express milk onto their belly for the young to suckle, leaving milk exposed and offspring susceptible to the perils of bacteria. Deakin University’s Dr Julie Sharp believes this is why platypus milk contains a protein with such unusual, antibacterial characteristics. Employing the marvels of molecular biology, the Synchrotron, and CSIRO’s state of the art Collaborative Crystallisation Centre (C3), the team successfully made the protein and then deciphered its structure. They found a never-before-seen 3D fold, which due to its ringlet-like formation, has been dubbed the ‘Shirley Temple’ fold in tribute to the former child-actor’s distinctive curls. Dr Janet Newman, CSIRO scientist and lead author on the research, said finding the new protein fold was pretty special. ‘We’ve identified this highly unusual protein as only existing in monotremes, but this discovery increases our knowledge of protein structures in general and will inform other drug discovery work performed at the Centre,’ she said. CSIRO and Deakin university are seeking collaborators to take the potentially life-saving platypus research to the next stage.