Two new studies led by U of G researchers showing novel ways used by pathogens to make and attach protective cell coats might open a route to new drugs for penetrating those defences and treating often-serious infections, said Prof. Chris Whitfield, a microbiologist in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB).

Both papers appear this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.

The researchers unraveled new and unexpected mechanisms used by microbes to build and attach layers of complex sugars to their cell surfaces.

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