Understanding the role of pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase beta subunit (pntB) in Acinetobacter baumannii physiology and antibiotic resistance

Abstract

Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, mediated by small RNAs is an extremely important but relatively unexplored area in the field of Acinetobacter baumannii physiology. The rapid emergence of multi-drug resistance in this pathogen is an imminent threat, and warrants immediate identification of novel drug targets. The current project aims to delineate the role(s) of a membrane-bound pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenase- PntAB (the expression of which is putatively regulated by a small RNA called AbsR28), and provide a detailed molecular insight into the diverse aspects of bacterial physiology that it regulates. Using a combination of biochemical and molecular biology approaches, the project investigates a hitherto unexplored functional aspect of membrane bound pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenases, by attempting to elucidate on the implications of pntB (a predicted target of AbsR28) function, in mediating resistance/tolerance to certain antibiotics, thereby probing its pertinence as a therapeutic candidate, which could help mitigate multi-drug resistance in A. baumannii, in the times to come.