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Ashraf D, Shaaban MI, Hassan R, El-Aziz AMA. Polidocanol inhibits Enterococcus faecalis virulence factors by targeting fsr quorum sensing system. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:411. [PMID: 39415105 PMCID: PMC11481293 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wide spread of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus faecalis is a critical global concern, leading to increasingly limited treatment options. The fsr quorum sensing (QS) plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of E. faecalis, allowing bacteria to coordinate gene expression and regulate many virulence factors. Therefore, fsr QS of E. faecalis represents a potential therapeutic target that provides an effective strategy to treat antibiotic-resistant infections induced by E. faecalis. METHODS In this study, distribution of different virulence factors including, gelatinase, protease, cell surface hydrophobicity and biofilm formation in sixty clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis was investigated. Sixty-six compounds were tested for their activity against fsr QS. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the tested compounds was evaluated using the microbroth dilution method. The effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of the tested compounds on fsr QS was investigated using the gelatinase assay method. Additionally, the effect of potential QS inhibitor on the virulence factors was estimated. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to investigate the effect of the potential inhibitor on fsr QS related genes (fsrB-fsrC) and (gelE-sprE) and virulence associated genes including, asa1 and epbA. RESULTS The assessment of polidocanol activity against the fsr QS system was demonstrated by studying its effect on gelatinase production in E. faecalis clinical isolates. Sub-lethal concentrations of polidocanol showed a significant reduction in gelatinase and protease production by 54% to 70% and 64% to 85%, respectively. Additionally, it significantly reduced biofilm formation (P < 0.01) and interrupted mature biofilm at concentrations of ½, 1 × and 2 × MIC. Furthermore, polidocanol significantly decreased cell surface hydrophobicity (P < 0.01). Polidocanol at ½ MIC showed a significant reduction in the expression of QS genes including fsrB, fsrC, gelE and sprE by 57% to 97% without affecting bacterial viability. Moreover, it reduced the expression of virulence associated genes (asa1 and epbA) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Polidocanol appears to be a promising option for treating of E. faecalis infections by targeting the fsr QS system and exhibiting anti-biofilm activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Ashraf
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Mona I Shaaban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
| | - Ramadan Hassan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
| | - Abeer M Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
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Ruhal R, Sahu A, Koujalagi T, Das A, Prasanth H, Kataria R. Biofilm-specific determinants of enterococci pathogen. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:397. [PMID: 39249569 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04119-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Amongst all Enterococcus spp., E. faecalis and E. faecium are most known notorious pathogen and their biofilm formation has been associated with endocarditis, oral, urinary tract, and wound infections. Biofilm formation involves a pattern of initial adhesion, microcolony formation, and mature biofilms. The initial adhesion and microcolony formation involve numerous surface adhesins e.g. pili Ebp and polysaccharide Epa. The mature biofilms are maintained by eDNA, It's worth noting that phage-mediated dispersal plays a prominent role. Further, the involvement of peptide pheromones in regulating biofilm maintenance sets it apart from other pathogens and facilitating the horizontal transfer of resistance genes. The role of fsr based regulation by regulating gelE expression is also discussed. Thus, we provide a concise overview of the significant determinants at each stage of Enterococcus spp. biofilm formation. These elements could serve as promising targets for antibiofilm strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Ruhal
- School of Bio Science and Technology, VIT Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
| | - Abhijeet Sahu
- School of Bio Science and Technology, VIT Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Tushar Koujalagi
- School of Bio Science and Technology, VIT Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Ankumoni Das
- School of Bio Science and Technology, VIT Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Hema Prasanth
- School of Bio Science and Technology, VIT Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Rashmi Kataria
- School of Bio Science and Technology, VIT Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
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Zaidi SEZ, Zaheer R, Zovoilis A, McAllister TA. Enterococci as a One Health indicator of antimicrobial resistance. Can J Microbiol 2024; 70:303-335. [PMID: 38696839 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2024-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The rapid increase of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in humans and livestock is concerning. Antimicrobials are essential for the treatment of disease in modern day medicine, and their misuse in humans and food animals has contributed to an increase in the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Globally, antimicrobial resistance is recognized as a One Health problem affecting humans, animals, and environment. Enterococcal species are Gram-positive bacteria that are widely distributed in nature. Their occurrence, prevalence, and persistence across the One Health continuum make them an ideal candidate to study antimicrobial resistance from a One Health perspective. The objective of this review was to summarize the role of enterococci as an indicator of antimicrobial resistance across One Health sectors. We also briefly address the prevalence of enterococci in human, animal, and environmental settings. In addition, a 16S RNA gene-based phylogenetic tree was constructed to visualize the evolutionary relationship among enterococcal species and whether they segregate based on host environment. We also review the genomic basis of antimicrobial resistance in enterococcal species across the One Health continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sani-E-Zehra Zaidi
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- University of Manitoba, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg
| | - Rahat Zaheer
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Athanasios Zovoilis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- University of Manitoba, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg
| | - Tim A McAllister
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
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Badr EA, Nagy YI, Sayed RM, Kashef MT. Development of a transcription factor decoy-nanocarrier system as a successful inhibitor of Enterococcus faecalis virulence in vitro and in vivo. Microb Pathog 2024; 193:106762. [PMID: 38936638 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a troublesome nosocomial pathogen that acquired resistance to most available antimicrobial agents. Antivirulence agents represent an unconventional treatment approach. Here, transcription factor decoy (TFD)-loaded cationic liposomes (TLL) were developed as an inhibitor of the Fsr quorum-sensing system and its associated virulence traits, in E. faecalis. The consensus sequence of the FsrA binding site was found conserved among 651 E. faecalis annotated genomes. The TFD was synthesized as an 82 bp DNA duplex, containing the conserved binding sequence, and loaded onto cationic liposomes. The optimum loading capacity, mean particle size, and zeta potential of the TLL were characterized. The developed TLL lacked any effect on E. faecalis growth and significantly inhibited the in vitro production of the proteolytic enzymes controlled by the Fsr system; gelatinase and serine protease, in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibition was accompanied by a significant reduction in the transcription levels of FsrA-regulated genes (fsrB, gelE, and sprE). The developed TLL were safe as evidenced by the nonhemolytic effect on human RBCs and the negligible cytotoxicity on human skin fibroblast cells. Moreover, in the larvae infection model, TLL displayed a significant abolish in the mortality rates of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with E. faecalis. In conclusion, the developed TLL offer a new safe strategy for combating E. faecalis infection through the inhibition of quorum-sensing-mediated virulence; providing a platform for the development of similar agents to combat many other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eslam A Badr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Yosra Ibrahim Nagy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Rehab Mahmoud Sayed
- Natural Products Research Department, National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona T Kashef
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
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Daca A, Piechowicz L, Wiśniewska K, Bryl E, Witkowski JM, Jarzembowski T. Both biofilm cytotoxicity and monocytes' adhesion may be used as estimators of enterococcal virulence. Lett Appl Microbiol 2024; 77:ovae047. [PMID: 38755018 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovae047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Our study aimed to identify markers of enterococci's virulence potential by evaluating the properties of strains of different sites of isolation. Enterococcal strains were isolated as commensals from faeces and as invasive strains from the urine and blood of patients from the University Clinical Centre, Gdańsk, Poland. Changes in monocytes' susceptibility to the cytotoxic activity of isolates of different origins and their adherence to biofilm were evaluated using a flow cytometer. The bacterial protein profile was estimated by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometer. The cytotoxicity of biofilm and monocytes' adherence to it were the most accurate factors in predicting the prevalence of the strain in the specific niche. Additionally, a bacterial protein with mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) 5000 was found to be responsible for the increased bacterial cytotoxicity, while monocytes' decreased adherence to biofilm was linked with the presence of proteins either with m/z 3330 or 2435. The results illustrate that monocytes' reaction when exposed to the bacterial biofilm can be used as an estimator of pathogens' virulence potential. The observed differences in monocytes' response are explainable by the bacterial proteins' profile. Additionally, the results indicate that the features of both bacteria and monocytes impact the outcome of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Daca
- Department of Physiopathology, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- Division of Pathology and Experimental Rheumatology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Lidia Piechowicz
- Department of Microbiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa 25, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wiśniewska
- Department of Microbiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa 25, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Bryl
- Department of Physiopathology, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- Division of Pathology and Experimental Rheumatology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek M Witkowski
- Department of Physiopathology, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki 7, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Embryology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jarzembowski
- Department of Microbiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębowa 25, 80-204 Gdansk, Poland
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Gao S, Wang Y, Yuan S, Zuo J, Jin W, Shen Y, Grenier D, Yi L, Wang Y. Cooperation of quorum sensing and central carbon metabolism in the pathogenesis of Gram-positive bacteria. Microbiol Res 2024; 282:127655. [PMID: 38402726 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), an integral component of bacterial communication, is essential in coordinating the collective response of diverse bacterial pathogens. Central carbon metabolism (CCM), serving as the primary metabolic hub for substances such as sugars, lipids, and amino acids, plays a crucial role in the life cycle of bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria often utilize CCM to regulate population metabolism and enhance the synthesis of specific cellular structures, thereby facilitating in adaptation to the host microecological environment and expediting infection. Research has demonstrated that QS can both directly or indirectly affect the CCM of numerous pathogenic bacteria, thus altering their virulence and pathogenicity. This article reviews the interplay between QS and CCM in Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, details the molecular mechanisms by which QS modulates CCM, and lays the groundwork for investigating bacterial pathogenicity and developing innovative infection treatment drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Jing Zuo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Wenjie Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Yamin Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Daniel Grenier
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Li Yi
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China; College of Life Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang 471934, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China; Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang 471003, China.
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Pourhajibagher M, Azimi Mohammadabadi M, Ghafari HA, Hodjat M, Bahador A. Evaluation of anti-biofilm effect of antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy-based periodontal ligament stem cell-derived exosome-loaded kojic acid on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37910015 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy (aSDT) is an approach that uses ultrasound waves (UWs) and a sonosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to damage microbial cells in biofilms. Using nano-carriers, such as exosomes (Exos), to deliver the sonosensitizer can potentially enhance the effectiveness of aSDT.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. aSDT can downregulate the expression of gelE and sprE genes, increasing the production of endogenous ROS and degradation of pre-formed Enterococcus faecalis biofilms.Aim. This study investigated the anti-biofilm effect of aSDT-based periodontal ligament stem cell-derived exosome-loaded kojic acid (KA@PDL-Exo) on pre-formed E. faecalis biofilms in root canals.Methodology. Following the isolation and characterization of PDL-Exo, KA@PDL-Exo was prepared and confirmed. The minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of KA, PDL-Exo, KA@PDL-Exo and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was determined, and their anti-biofilm effects were assessed with and without UWs. The binding affinity of KA with GelE and SprE proteins was evaluated using in silico molecular docking. Additionally, the study measured the generation of endogenous ROS and evaluated changes in the gene expression levels of gelE and sprE.Results. The results revealed a dose-dependent decrease in the viability of E. faecalis cells within biofilms. KA@PDL-Exo was the most effective, with an MBIC of 62.5 µg ml-1, while NaOCl, KA and PDL-Exo had MBIC values of 125, 250 and 500 µg ml-1, respectively. The use of KA@PDL-Exo-mediated aSDT resulted in a significant reduction of the E. faecalis biofilm (3.22±0.36 log10 c.f.u. ml-1; P<0.05). The molecular docking analysis revealed docking scores of -5.3 and -5.2 kcal mol-1 for GelE-KA an SprE-KA, respectively. The findings observed the most significant reduction in gene expression of gelE and sprE in the KA@PDL-Exo group, with a decrease of 7.9- and 9.3-fold, respectively, compared to the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion. The KA@PDL-Exo-mediated aSDT was able to significantly reduce the E. faecalis load in pre-formed biofilms, decrease the expression of gelE and srpE mRNA, and increase the generation of endogenous ROS. These findings imply that KA@PDL-Exo-mediated aSDT could be a promising anti-biofilm strategy that requires additional in vitro and in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Pourhajibagher
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Azimi Mohammadabadi
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hassan-Ali Ghafari
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Hodjat
- Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Bahador
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Fellowship in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, BioHealth Lab, Tehran, Iran
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Rao Tatta E, Paul S, Kumavath R. Transcriptome Analysis revealed the Synergism of Novel Rhodethrin inhibition on Biofilm architecture, Antibiotic Resistance and Quorum sensing inEnterococcus faecalis. Gene 2023; 871:147436. [PMID: 37075926 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Enterococcus sp. emerged as an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen with the highest antibiotic resistance and mortality rate. Biofilm is problematic primarily since it is regulated by the global bacterial cell to cell communication mediated by the quorum sensing system. sing system. Thus, potential natural antagonists in a novel drug formulation against biofilm-forming Enterococcus faecalis is critical. We used RNA-Seq to evaluate the effects of the novel molecule rhodethrin with chloramphenicol induced on Enterococcus faecalis and DEGs were identified. In transcriptome sequence analysis, a total of 448 with control Vs rhodethrin, 1591 were in control Vs chloramphenicol, 379 genes were DEGs from control Vs synergies, in rhodethrin with chloramphenicol, 379 genes were differentially expressed, whereas 264 genes were significantly downregulated, indicating that 69.69% ofE. faecaliswas altered. The transcriptional sequence data further expression analysis qRT-PCR, and the results shed that the expression profiles of five significant biofilm formation responsible genes such as, Ace, AtpB, lepA, bopD, and typA, 3 genes involved in quorum sensing are sylA, fsrC and camE, and 4 genes involved in resistance were among including liaX, typA, EfrA, and lepA, were significantly suppressed expressions of the biofilm, quorum sensing, and resistance that are supported by transcriptome analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eswar Rao Tatta
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya (PO), Kasaragod, Kerala 671320, India
| | - Sayan Paul
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
| | - Ranjith Kumavath
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya (PO), Kasaragod, Kerala 671320, India; Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India.
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