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S. aureus Biofilm Protein Expression Linked to Antimicrobial Resistance: A Proteomic Study
Cristian Piras1, Pierluigi Aldo Di Ciccio2, Alessio Soggiu3
1Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Campus Universitario "S. Venuta", Viale Europa, I-88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most critical challenges that humanity will face in the following years. In this context, a "One Health" approach with an integrated multidisciplinary effort involving humans, animals and their surrounding environment is needed to tackle the spread of AMR. One of the most common ways for bacteria to live is to adhere to surfaces and form biofilms. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) can form biofilm on most surfaces and in a wide heterogeneity of environmental conditions. The biofilm guarantees the survival of the S. aureus in harsh environmental conditions and represents an issue for the food industry and animal production. The identification and characterization of biofilm-related proteins may provide interesting insights into biofilm formation mechanisms in S. aureus. In this regard, the aims of this study were: (i) to use proteomics to compare proteomes of S. aureus growing in planktonic and biofilm forms in order to investigate the common features of biofilm formation properties of different strains; (ii) to identify specific biofilm mechanisms that may be involved in AMR. The proteomic analysis showed 14 differentially expressed proteins among biofilm and planktonic forms of S. aureus. Moreover, three proteins, such as alcohol dehydrogenase, ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase, and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, were only differentially expressed in strains classified as high biofilm producers. Differentially regulated catabolites metabolisms and the switch to lower oxygen-related metabolisms were related to the sessile conformation analyzed.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat. This study used proteomics to compare Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and planktonic forms, identifying key proteins involved in biofilm formation and potential AMR mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Proteomics
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global challenge, necessitating a "One Health" approach.
- Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) enhances its survival in diverse environments, impacting food safety and animal production.
- Understanding biofilm mechanisms is crucial for combating S. aureus proliferation and associated AMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the proteomes of S. aureus in planktonic and biofilm states using proteomics.
- To identify common biofilm formation properties across different S. aureus strains.
- To uncover specific biofilm-related mechanisms potentially linked to AMR.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis was employed to compare protein expression profiles.
- S. aureus strains were analyzed in both planktonic (free-swimming) and biofilm (surface-attached) growth states.
- Differential protein expression was quantified between the two growth conditions.
Main Results:
- Proteomic analysis identified 14 differentially expressed proteins between biofilm and planktonic S. aureus.
- Three specific proteins (alcohol dehydrogenase, ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase) were uniquely altered in high biofilm-producing strains.
- Metabolic pathways, including catabolite regulation and a shift towards lower oxygen metabolism, were altered in the sessile biofilm state.
Conclusions:
- Proteomics effectively revealed differences in S. aureus protein expression related to biofilm formation.
- Specific metabolic enzymes are highlighted as potentially key regulators in high biofilm producers.
- These findings offer insights into S. aureus biofilm strategies and potential targets for AMR mitigation.
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