New genotoxin shows diversity of bacterial attack mechanisms

Bacteria make a wide range of toxic products that interact with eukaryotic cellular machinery in a precise way. These toxins interfere with key eukaryotic processes, such as cellular signalling components, and some directly attack the genome. Nougayrède and colleagues have recently identified a novel hybrid peptide–polyketide compound from Escherichia coli that leads to DNA damage. This novel compound is produced by pathogenic and, most interestingly, commensal isolates. Although it is not yet clear how the peptide–polyketide compound functions at the molecular level, it is possible that it contributes to bacterial pathogenesis and bacterially induced carcinogenesis.