Davies Lab Discovers New Role for Microcins
April 10, 2026 • by
LCID STAFF
The Davies Lab discovers another role for microcins, a familiar weapon against harmful bacteria
Microcin biofilm
Image credit: Mady Telford, Davies Lab
Researchers in the Davies Lab have uncovered a surprising side to microcins, a familiar bacterial weapon. The study on the discovery was published in the April 2026 Cell Reports online edition.
Their research shows that microcins, which are a class of small antibacterial proteins, don't just kill competitors, they can also assemble into amyloid fibers that help build and structure biofilms. This is the first time a microcin has been shown to play a role beyond antibacterial activity, revealing a dual life as both toxin and architectural scaffold.
