Proteomics approach in the study of mechanism of action of the antibiotics

Abstract

The biochemical investigative approach of Proteomics has been utilized in the study of the mechanism of action of antibiotics like Triclosan (Trade name - Irgasan) on a model bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. By differential display of the strain with the minimum inhibitory concentration of the antibiotics, comparison of the protein maps both triclosan treated and untreated B. subtilis cultures were performed. Several spots which were associated with the antibiotic resistance and in response to treatment with triclosan were identified by the use of Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with analysis by PD Quest software (Bio-Rad). A unique spot was identified and excised for further analysis by mass spectrometry for determination of amino acid sequence and protein identification. By this new approach a specific biomarker protein in B. subtilis that is involved in organism's response to treatment with triclosan and possible resistance to antibiotic action has been investigated. Thus, suggesting new avenues for the discovery of various future antibiotic drug targets for therapeutic intervention.