Characterization of G-quadruplex structures in genes involved in survival and pathogenesis of Acinetobacter baumannii as a potential drug target

Acinetobacter baumannii is a notorious pathogen that commonly thrives in hospital environments and is responsible for numerous nosocomial infections in humans. The burgeoning multi-drug resistance leaves relatively minimal options for treating the bacterial infection, posing a significant problem and prompting the identification of new approaches for tackling the same. This motivated us to focus on non-canonical nucleic acid structures, mainly G-quadruplexes, as drug targets. G-quadruplexes have recently been gaining attention due to their involvement in multiple bacterial and viral pathogenesis. Herein, we sought to explore conserved putative G-quadruplex motifs in A. baumannii. In silico analysis revealed the presence of eight conserved motifs in genes involved in bacterial survival and pathogenesis. The biophysical and biomolecular analysis confirmed stable G-quadruplex formation by the motifs and showed a high binding affinity with the well-reported G-quadruplex binding ligand, BRACO-19. BRACO-19 exposure also decreased the growth of bacteria and downregulated the expression of G-quadruplex-harboring genes. The biofilm-forming ability of the bacteria was also affected by BRACO-19 addition. Taking all these observations into account, we have shown here for the first time the potential of G-quadruplex structures as a promising drug target in Acinetobacter baumannii, for addressing the challenges posed by this infamous pathogen.