Transcriptomics and methylomics study on the effect of iodine-containing drug FS-1 on Escherichia coli ATCC BAA-196

Background: Recent studies showed promising results on application of iodine-containing nano-micelles, FS-1, against antibiotic resistant pathogens. The effect was studied on Escherichia coli ATCC BAA-196. Materials & methods: RNA sequencing for transcriptomics and the complete genome sequencing by SMRT PacBio RS II technology followed by genome assembly and methylomics study were performed. Results & conclusions: FS-1 treated E. coli showed an increased susceptibility to antibiotics ampicillin and gentamicin. The analysis of differential gene regulation showed that possible targets of iodine-containing particles are cell membrane fatty acids and proteins, particularly cytochromes, that leads to oxidative, osmotic and acidic stresses. Cultivation with FS-1 caused gene expression alterations towards anaerobic respiration, increased anabolism and inhibition of many nutrient uptake systems. Identification of methylated nucleotides showed an altered pattern in the FS-1 treated culture. Possible role of transcriptional and epigenetic modifications in the observed increase in susceptibility to gentamicin and ampicillin were discussed.