CRISPR-based genome editing reveals the roles of efflux pumps in Mycobacterium abscessus

Abstract

Mycobacterium abscessus, one of the most antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, is increasingly recognized as the cause of infections that are difficult to treat. Novel genetic manipulation tools are required to elucidate the biology, pathogenesis, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms of M. abscessus. In this study, we modified the method used to prepare M. abscessus electrocompetent cells to achieve efficient transformation, and then optimized the CRISPR-Cas9-assisted genome-editing tools to allow efficient genetic manipulation. Using these tools, we constructed 66 efflux pump mutants of M. abscessus and investigated their roles in drug resistance and virulence. We found that different efflux pumps play distinct roles in drug resistance and survival in Galleria mellonella larvae. Finally, we confirmed that MAB_2806-2807, involved in transportation of triacylglycerides, is vital for the drug resistance and virulence of M. abscessus. The molecular biology tools developed in this study will facilitate molecular research on M. abscessus. In addition, the study on efflux pumps might provide new targets for the development of new drugs and treatment regimens for M. abscessus infection.

Keywords

CRISPR-Cas9 / drug resistance / efflux pump / genome editing / Mycobacterium abscessus

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2026 The Author(s). mLife published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.