Network analysis for identifying potential anti-virulence targets from whole transcriptome of and exposed to certain anti-pathogenic polyherbal formulations.

INTRODUCTION

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global threat. Identification of novel antibacterial targets is urgently warranted to help antimicrobial drug discovery programs. This study attempted identification of potential targets in two important pathogens and

METHODS

Transcriptomes of and exposed to two different quorum-modulatory polyherbal formulations were subjected to network analysis to identify the most highly networked differentially expressed genes (hubs) as potential anti-virulence targets.

RESULTS

Genes associated with denitrification and sulfur metabolism emerged as the most important targets in . Increased buildup of nitrite (NO) in culture exposed to the polyherbal formulation was confirmed through assay too. Generation of nitrosative stress and inducing sulfur starvation seemed to be effective anti-pathogenic strategies against this notorious gram-negative pathogen. Important targets identified in were the transcriptional regulator , immunoglobulin-binding protein Sbi, serine protease , the response regulator system, and gamma-hemolysin components and .

CONCLUSION

Further validation of the potential targets identified in this study is warranted through appropriate and assays in model hosts. Such validated targets can prove vital to many antibacterial drug discovery programs globally.