Leader genes in the formation of microbial biofilms and antimicrobial resistance by Staphylococcus aureus: a bioinformatic analysis

Resumo

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can develop resistance to different classes of antimicrobials, as well as the ability to synthesize biofilms. These characteristics cause damage to the food industry and consumer health. The literature supports the association of different genes with these abilities of S. aureus. This study used bioinformatic analysis to investigate the network of interactions between genes promoting bacterial resistance and biofilm formation by S. aureus, determining the leader gene involved in this action. The UNIPROT database was used to select the genes potentially involved in antimicrobial resistance and biofilm synthesis by S. aureus. The STRING platform was used to create the protein interaction network. The GEO- Gene Expression Omnibus database analyzed gene expression in S. aureus culture samples submitted to different acidification times. The protein interaction network featured mainly rp genes, with the leader gene being rplN, which had the highest number of interactions. In the GEO- Gene Expression Omnibus database, through two groups of samples evaluating biofilm formation at acid pH, the expression of rp genes, including rplN, was again verified. The genes found are involved in the biological process of translation in the ribosome. rplN is involved in bacterial survival in stressful situations. The rp genes, according to the GEO results, may act during biofilm formation. Functional studies are needed to prove the hypotheses raised in this study, since research into genes involved in antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and biofilm formation by S. aureus is fundamental in food production and public health.