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Disruption of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus protein synthesis by tannins
Siti-Noor-Adnalizawati Adnan1, Nazlina Ibrahim2, Wan Ahmad Yaacob3
1PhD, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Jalan Pandan Utama, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Introduction:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a worldwide public health threat, displaying multiple antibiotic resistance that causes morbidity and mortality. Management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) MRSA infections is extremely difficult due to their inherent resistance to currently used antibiotics. New antibiotics are needed to combat the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Methods:
The in vitro effect of tannins was studied against MRSA reference strain (ATCC 43300) and MRSA clinical strains utilizing antimicrobial assays in conjunction with both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. To reveal the influence of tannins in MRSA protein synthesis disruption, we utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) to provide further insight into the novel protein synthesis transcriptional response of MRSA exposed to these compounds.
Results:
Tannins possessed both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.78 and 1.56 mg/mL, respectively, against all tested MRSA. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of MRSA treated with tannins showed decrease in cellular volume, indicating disruption of protein synthesis.
Conclusion:
Analysis of a genome-wide transcriptional profile of the reference strain ATCC 43300 MRSA in response to tannins has led to the finding that tannins induced significant modulation in essential ribosome pathways, which caused a reduction in the translation processes that lead to inhibition of protein synthesis and obviation of bacterial growth. These findings highlight the potential of tannins as new promising anti-MRSA agents in clinical application such as body wash and topical cream or ointments.
Insights
Tannins show promise as novel antibacterial agents against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These natural compounds inhibit MRSA growth by disrupting essential protein synthesis pathways, offering a potential new strategy for combating antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a significant global health challenge due to its multidrug resistance (MDR).
- Existing antibiotics are increasingly ineffective against MDR MRSA, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic agents.
- Antimicrobial resistance in MRSA contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of tannins against MRSA.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of tannins in inhibiting MRSA growth, specifically focusing on protein synthesis.
- To evaluate the potential of tannins as a new class of anti-MRSA agents.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial assays were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of tannins against MRSA strains.
- Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were employed to visualize the effects of tannins on MRSA cellular structure.
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized to analyze the transcriptional response of MRSA to tannins, focusing on protein synthesis pathways.
Main Results:
- Tannins demonstrated both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against all tested MRSA strains, with MIC and MBC values of 0.78 and 1.56 mg/mL, respectively.
- Electron microscopy revealed a decrease in MRSA cellular volume upon treatment with tannins, indicative of disrupted protein synthesis.
- NGS analysis identified significant modulation of essential ribosome pathways by tannins, leading to reduced translation and inhibition of bacterial growth.
Conclusions:
- Tannins effectively inhibit MRSA growth by disrupting protein synthesis through modulation of ribosomal pathways.
- The findings suggest tannins have significant potential as novel anti-MRSA agents for clinical applications.
- Potential applications include topical formulations like body washes, creams, and ointments for treating MRSA infections.
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