Mutation-induced penicillin binding protein 2A inactivation through CRISPR-dCas9 gene editing in methicillin-resistant S. aureus

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The global rise of antimicrobial resistance threatens effective treatment of bacterial infec- tions. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen whose resistance to β-lactam antibiotics is primarily mediated by the  mecA gene, encoding the low-affinity penicillin-binding protein PBP2a. This study aimed to investigate whether CRISPR-dCas9-mediated targeting of mecA could suppress resistance-associated gene expression and restore β-lactam susceptibility in MRSA.

Materials and Methods: Seven target sites within mecA, comprising two non-coding and five coding regions, were selected for CRISPR-dCas9 targeting. The effects of gene interference were evaluated using antibiotic disk diffusion assays, mini- mum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing with gradient E-strips, RT-PCR, and Sanger sequencing.

Results: Targeting non-coding regions suppressed mecA transcription and reduced PBP2a production, whereas targeting coding regions generated mutations associated with dysfunctional PBP2a. CRISPR-dCas9 treatment significantly reduced mecA expression and increased MRSA susceptibility to β-lactam antibiotics, particularly ampicillin and cefixime. MIC val- ues decreased by up to 12-fold and 6-fold, respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusion: CRISPR-dCas9-mediated targeting of mecA effectively reduced β-lactam resistance in MRSA. This approach demonstrates potential for precision-based antimicrobial resistance management and warrants further investigation as a strat- egy for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections.