AbWzb: A Regulatory Link between PTP Activity and Microbial Vitality
Faculty Mentor
Mark Dela Cerna
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
BioChem, Chem, Phys
Abstract
Wzb is a low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP). It is an essential component in the regulation of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS). EPS contributes to the formation of biofilms, which, in turn, enhance the antimicrobial resistance mechanism for certain Gram-negative bacteria. Among these pathogens, A. baumannii (Ab) is a highly opportunistic bacterium that poses a major threat to the medical field. The production of its biofilm plays a key role in its antibiotic resistance to a growing number of standard antibiotic protocols. This has resulted in a surge of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) due to its persistence on both biotic and abiotic surfaces. The objective of this study is to purify recombinantly expressed AbWzb characterize its structure, and identify inhibitors which can then be developed as antimicrobial compounds. An understanding of its structure will further facilitate the development of inhibitors through structure-based drug design, supporting current computational and in vitro screening in the lab. Purification and structure determination will also improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of Wzb as well as related LMW-PTP. The disruption of EPS production through small molecule inhibition of Wzb has the potential to impair the development of EPS which can have broader implications to other bacterial PTPs. This project could lead to the development of a more effective antimicrobial strategy that is less susceptible to the development rapid resistance.
Program Description
.
Start Date
4-21-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-21-2026 3:30 PM
Recommended Citation
Knecht, Matthew J.; Sistos Barron, Oscar; and Dela Cerna, Mark V., "AbWzb: A Regulatory Link between PTP Activity and Microbial Vitality" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 73.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/73
AbWzb: A Regulatory Link between PTP Activity and Microbial Vitality
Savannah Ballroom
Wzb is a low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP). It is an essential component in the regulation of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS). EPS contributes to the formation of biofilms, which, in turn, enhance the antimicrobial resistance mechanism for certain Gram-negative bacteria. Among these pathogens, A. baumannii (Ab) is a highly opportunistic bacterium that poses a major threat to the medical field. The production of its biofilm plays a key role in its antibiotic resistance to a growing number of standard antibiotic protocols. This has resulted in a surge of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) due to its persistence on both biotic and abiotic surfaces. The objective of this study is to purify recombinantly expressed AbWzb characterize its structure, and identify inhibitors which can then be developed as antimicrobial compounds. An understanding of its structure will further facilitate the development of inhibitors through structure-based drug design, supporting current computational and in vitro screening in the lab. Purification and structure determination will also improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism of Wzb as well as related LMW-PTP. The disruption of EPS production through small molecule inhibition of Wzb has the potential to impair the development of EPS which can have broader implications to other bacterial PTPs. This project could lead to the development of a more effective antimicrobial strategy that is less susceptible to the development rapid resistance.
