Transcriptomic And Proteomic Analysis To Delineate The Mechanism Of Antibiofilm Activity Of 3‐Furancarboxaldehyde On Group A Streptococcus

Abstract

Group A Streptococcus (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes), an uncompromising human exclusive pathogen is responsible for various invasive and non‐invasive diseases. The biofilm forming ability of the multi‐virulent pathogen is considered as an important factor for its growth and persistence in the human host. The current study demonstrates the antibiofilm activity of 3Furancarboxaldehyde (3FCA), a compound present in floral honey, against GAS biofilm, and analyses its effect on multiple aspects of GAS (morphology, virulence, aggregation, gene expression and proteomic analysis) at its minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (132μg/ml). 3FCA was found to modify the growth pattern of GAS in solid and liquid media and enhance the rate of auto‐aggregation. Real Time gene expression analysis showed downregulation of covR gene, which is speculated to be the prime target for the antibiofilm activity. The gel based proteomic and Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) analysis of GAS upon treatment with 3FCA revealed upregulation of proteins such as ABC transporter (ATP‐binding protein) MtsB SPy_0454, putative cell envelope proteinase PrtS SPy_0416, which are speculated to be involved in increased hyaluronic acid capsule production and increased virulence of GAS respectively. Few other proteins which are involved in TCA cycle were also found to be differentially regulated. This study reveals the mechanism of antibiofilm activity of 3FCA at both genomic and proteomic levels.