A comprehensive review on genomics, systems biology and structural biology approaches for combating antimicrobial resistance in ESKAPE pathogens: computational tools and recent advancements

World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2022 Jul 5;38(9):153. doi: 10.1007/s11274-022-03343-z.

Abstract

In recent decades, antimicrobial resistance has been augmented as a global concern to public health owing to the global spread of multidrug-resistant strains from different ESKAPE pathogens. This alarming trend and the lack of new antibiotics with novel modes of action in the pipeline necessitate the development of non-antibiotic ways to treat illnesses caused by these isolates. In molecular biology, computational approaches have become crucial tools, particularly in one of the most challenging areas of multidrug resistance. The rapid advancements in bioinformatics have led to a plethora of computational approaches involving genomics, systems biology, and structural biology currently gaining momentum among molecular biologists since they can be useful and provide valuable information on the complex mechanisms of AMR research in ESKAPE pathogens. These computational approaches would be helpful in elucidating the AMR mechanisms, identifying important hub genes/proteins, and their promising targets together with their interactions with important drug targets, which is a crucial step in drug discovery. Therefore, the present review aims to provide holistic information on currently employed bioinformatic tools and their application in the discovery of multifunctional novel therapeutic drugs to combat the current problem of AMR in ESKAPE pathogens. The review also summarizes the recent advancement in the AMR research in ESKAPE pathogens utilizing the in silico approaches.

Keywords: Bioinformatics; Computational Biology; Drug Discovery; Drug Resistance; Gene Prediction; Therapeutic target.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Computational Biology
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / genetics
  • Genomics
  • Systems Biology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents