Sponge-derived fatty acids inhibit biofilm formation of MRSA and MSSA by down-regulating biofilm-related genes specific to each pathogen

Khan, Neyaz A, Barthes, Nicolas, McCormack, Grace, O'Gara, James P, Thomas, Olivier P, & Boyd, Aoife. (2023). Sponge-derived fatty acids inhibit biofilm formation of MRSA and MSSA by down-regulating biofilm-related genes specific to each pathogen. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 134(8). https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxad152

Abstract

Aim A promising approach for the development of next-generation antimicrobials is to shift their target from causing bacterial death to inhibiting virulence. Marine sponges are an excellent potential source of bioactive anti-virulence molecules (AVM). We screened fractions prepared from 26 samples of Irish coastal sponges for anti-biofilm activity against clinically relevant pathogens. Methods and results Fifteen fractions from eight sponge species inhibited biofilm of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and/or Listeria monocytogenes without causing growth inhibition. Gas chromatograph/mass spectroscopy analyses of Mycale contarenii fractions revealed the presence of myristic acid and oleic acid. These fatty acids repressed transcription of the fibronectin-binding protein fnbA and fnbB genes and the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin icaADBC operon, which are required for MRSA and MSSA biofilm formation, respectively. Conclusions This study illustrates the potential of AVM from Irish coastal sponges to specifically target bacterial virulence phenotypes, in this case, repression of biofilm formation via decreased transcription of biofilm-associated genes in MSSA and MRSA.

Funder

Irish Research Council
Marine Institute
Higher Education Authority, Ireland

Publisher

Oxford University Press and Applied Microbiology International

Rights

CC BY-NC

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