Bacterial biofilms are surface-attached communities containing enriched “persister” cell populations that are metabolically dormant and innately tolerant to conventional antibiotic therapies. Biofilms display differential gene expression profiles compared to their free-floating planktonic counterparts; however, the basic biology of biofilms remains largely unknown. Our group has discovered several different classes of small molecules capable of eradicating biofilms and we have used a few of these compounds as probes to define cellular processes and pathways critical to biofilm survival. To do this, we use RNA-seq technology to perform transcript profiling studies of established MRSA biofilms treated with low concentrations of a biofilm-eradicating agent, such as a potent halogenated phenazine (HP-14) agent we discovered in earlier work. We combine the the WoPPER gene cluster analysis tool with follow-up time course studies (to validate using RT-qPCR) and a KEGG analysis to define cellular pathways and processes modulated by our small molecules. Our initial studies related to HP-14 demonstrated that this small molecule induces rapid iron starvation in MRSA biofilms as the primary mechanism of biofilm eradication with secondary cellular pathways impacted by this small molecule defined. These findings and others will be discussed during this presentation.<br/>

Transcript profiling of MRSA biofilms treated with biofilm-eradicating small molecules

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.