CRISPR Interference-Based Inhibition of MAB_0055c Expression Alters Drug Sensitivity in Mycobacterium abscessus
Thanh Quang Nguyen, Bo Eun Heo, Yujin Park, Seunghyeon Jeon, Arunima Choudhary, Chéol Moon, Jichan Jang
Abstract
gene in M. abscessus, a bacterium that causes difficult-to-treat infections. The study found that silencing the gene lead to increased rifabutin and rifalazil susceptibility. This study is the first to establish a link between the predicted LysR-type transcriptional regulator gene and antibiotic resistance in mycobacteria. These findings underscore the potential of using CRISPRi as a tool for elucidating resistance mechanisms, essential drug targets, and drug mechanisms of action, which could pave the way for more effective treatments for M. abscessus infections. The results of this study could have important implications for the development of new therapeutic options for this challenging-to-treat bacterial infection.