The Department of life sciences at the Faculty of Science – University of Mosul, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, discussed the tagged doctoral thesis ” detection and inhibition of surtase enzymes in staphylococci isolated from clinical sources ” by doctoral student Ethar Mohammed Saleh Yousef from the branch of microbiology. The thesis dealt with the evaluation of the possibility of inhibition of the enzyme Sortase (Sortase) as an alternative and innovative therapeutic mechanism to reduce the virulence of staphylococcal bacteria and confront their normal and antibiotic-resistant strains, through the use of plant extracts and pure natural compounds. The main results and conclusions of the study : Superiority of natural extracts: the results showed a remarkable superiority of alcoholic extracts of lemon and orange peels and natural juices in inhibiting bacterial growth, thanks to their high content of hydroxyl aggregates and aromatic bonds diagnosed by FTIR technology. Molecular inhibition of biofilms: analysis of HPLC technology revealed the presence of the compound “naringenin” in lemon peel extract, which in synergy with “ascorbic acid” proved high efficiency in the almost complete inhibition of biofilms formation (Biofilms). Disruption of gene expression: molecular tests using qRT-PCR technology have proven that these compounds significantly reduce the gene expression of the SrtA gene, which disrupts the production of the enzyme surtase, which is responsible for the fixation of adhesion proteins and the settlement of bacteria within the host tissues. Micro microscopic abnormalities: SEM scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the occurrence of gross structural abnormalities and obvious damage to the wall and membrane of bacterial cells treated with a concentration below the minimum inhibitor (Sub-MIC) of the naringenin compound. The study concludes that the molecular targeting of virulence factors and the inactivation of the SrtA gene represents a modern and promising pathway for the weakening of bacteria, and supports the employment of biocompounds as substitutes or supporting agents for antibiotics in the face of intractable strains. The discussion Committee was chaired by Dr. Ismail Ibrahim Dawood Salem, and the membership of: assistant professor Dr. Shaker Ghazi jerjis Hussein, assistant professor Dr. OS Ibrahim Suleiman Nader, assistant professor Dr. Mohammed Taha Mahmoud Khdeir, assistant professor Dr. Inas Abdel Moneim Hussein Mohammed, and under the supervision and membership of Prof. Dr. Mohsen Ayoub Issa Ahmed. On behalf of the dean of the Faculty, Professor Dr. Hiam Adel Ibrahim, the esteemed, the rapporteur of the Department of Life Sciences presented a book and appreciation to Professor Dr. Ismail Ibrahim Dawood from Al Noor University in appreciation of his efforts in chairing the student discussion Committee . We wish our dear students continued excellence and success in their scientific career.

Government information and Communication Division

Wednesday, August 26, 2026