Inhibition of MreB and ftsZ proteins to minimize E. coli biofilm formation

Abstract

In the United States, more than two million individuals become infected by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, resulting in over 23,000 deaths annually. Bacterial biofilms, one of the major causes of this resistance, form a complex extracellular matrix that physically block antibiotic treatment. Within planktonic bacteria, two proteins, MreB and ftsZ, play a key role in bacterial cell growth and development. MreB regulates this development through maintaining the rod-like shape of gram-negative bacteria, while ftsZ regulates the timing and location of cell division. The present study compared the effects of two protein-inhibitors on biofilm formation of E. coli; the inhibitors, A22 Hydrochloride and PC190723, inhibit MreB (cell shape) and ftsZ (cell division), respectively. Efficacy was measured with a crystal violet staining assay. Four experiments were designed testing 1) the minimum inhibitory concentration of the inhibitors, 2) the synergistic effect of the inhibitors, 3) the microscopic effects of the inhibitors, and 4) the effect of the inhibitors on antibiotic susceptibility. A mid-level dosage of A22 significantly decreased biofilm density while there was no response to PC190732. The effect of A22 was verified microscopically, observing the change from bacilli cells to coccoid ones via the inhibition of MreB. In the second experiment, with conjunct inhibition, no interaction was found. Lastly, A22 was as effective as Amoxicillin in disrupting biofilms. The inhibition of MreB was found to have a key role in biofilm development. A model is proposed for biofilm density based on cell shape as affected by MreB.\n\nImportanceEach year, more than 2 million Americans acquire antibiotic-resistant infection and 23,000 of them die (CDC, 2013). In a study done by Barsoumian et. al (2015), there was a 16% mortality rate pertaining to biofilm-related infections while non-biofilm infection caused a 5% mortality rate. These casualties arent limited to the United States. Abroad, antibiotic resistance is a huge issue: 25,000 deaths estimated in the EU; 38,000 deaths in Thailand; and 58,000 deaths in India, among infants alone (CDC, 2012). It is these statistics that inform us that antibiotic resistance must be addressed.