We're delighted to congratulate Rasel Ahmed Khan and all co-authors on the publication of a new research paper in Bioorganic Chemistry!
What if, instead of killing bacteria, we could simply put them to sleep?
That's the idea behind anti-virulence therapy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a chemical communication system called quorum sensing to coordinate its attack, and the PqsR receptor sits at the heart of it. Rather than directly killing the bacteria, the approach is to switch off this signalling and suppress their virulence, allowing the immune system and conventional antibiotics to clear the infection more effectively. Because the bacteria are not under direct pressure to survive, this strategy may also reduce the drive towards antimicrobial resistance.
In this paper, Synthesis of novel quinazolinone-based heterocyclic acetamides as P. aeruginosa PqsR inhibitors, the team rationally designed and synthesised a series of novel quinazolinone-based inhibitors. The most potent compounds showed strong PqsR inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa PAO1, substantial inhibition of biofilm formation and pyocyanin production, and low cellular toxicity, all without significantly inhibiting bacterial growth.
This publication is a testament to Rasel's dedication and commitment. it is wonderful to see that persistence and hard work recognised in print. Well done, Rasel!
A big thank you also goes to Professor Naresh Kumar, the brain behind this work. His guidance and mentorship continue to drive the group's work in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Publication details:
- Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry (2026), Article 110588
- Title: Synthesis of novel quinazolinone-based heterocyclic acetamides as P. aeruginosa PqsR inhibitors
- Authors: Rasel Ahmed Khan, Shyam Kumar Mishra Baishnab, Tope A. Ibisanmi, Tsz Tin Yu, Mark D. P. Willcox, David StC. Black, and Naresh Kumar
- DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2026.110588
Congratulations to Rasel and all co-authors on this outstanding achievement! The Kumar Research Group is proud of this contribution to anti-virulence drug discovery.