New insights into how bacteria control DNA synthesis open the door to next generation antimicrobials
Phys.org
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists have uncovered new insights into how bacteria regulate DNA synthesis, potentially paving the way for next-generation antimicrobial treatments. Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are essential enzymes responsible for converting ribonucleotides into deoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs), which serve as building blocks for DNA. In bacteria, this critical process is controlled by a transcriptional regulator called NrdR, which has no equivalent in eukaryotic organisms. This unique role makes NrdR an attractive target for developing selective antimicrobial agents.
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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/20/2026