CRISPR/Cas9-targeted smpB mutation revealing roles in biofilm formation, motility, and antibiotic susceptibility in Acinetobacter baumannii
This study demonstrates that SmpB is a key regulator of biofilm formation, twitching motility, antibiotic response, and virulence in A. baumannii. While not essential for growth under optimal conditions, smpB disruption impairs multiple pathogenic traits and alters stress-related proteomic pathways. These findings highlight the potential of SmpB as a novel antimicrobial target, offering a promising strategy to weaken bacterial virulence without promoting resistance. Targeting the trans-translation system may pave the way for innovative therapies against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii.
Authors
- Wanpen Chaicumpa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6973-8255)
- Witawat Tunyong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9441-0075)
- Nitaya Indrawattana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1571-528X)
- Sirijan Santajit (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1273-2618)
- Nawannaporn Saelim
- Techit Thavorasak (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8094-3273)
- Thida Kong-Ngoen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5756-5833)
- Pornpan Pumirat (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5141-4671)
- Sumate Ampawong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5378-2996)
- Pisinee Aiumurai
- Onrapak Reamtong (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1154-6485)
- Thapani Srisai
Institutions
- Siriraj Hospital (TH)
- Mahidol University (TH)
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (TH)
- Walailak University (TH)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS ONE
- Published
- 2025-08-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0329638
- Primary Topic
- CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Research Council of Thailand