The silent architect: Nucleoid associated proteins’ influence on the ESKAPE pathogens

Abstract

ESKAPE group are key opportunistic nosocomial pathogens singularized by their exceptional antibiotic resistance and intricate stress adaptation mechanisms. The Nucleoid Associated Proteins (NAPs), an enigmatic regulator that is central to ESKAPE adaptability, are known for binding and bending DNA to environmental nuances thus locally altering the nucleoid spatiotemporal organization, resulting in the cellular reprogramming of regulatory genes at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Classically viewed as architectural proteins, NAPs are now showing emerging evidence of involvement in stress adaptation, virulence, and pathogenesis functions. Their growing classes of protein homologs and regulatory properties are now beginning to unravel.This mini-review embarks on the first cumulative effort of discussing key NAPs within the ESKAPE pathogen cohort. By spotlighting their influence on tailoring the chromosomal architecture, this review explores unveiling the intricacies of NAP’s function, offering insights that could potentially decipher new vulnerabilities within these formidable pathogens.

Keywords

• ESKAPE pathogen
• Nucleoid associated proteins
• Antibiotic resistance
• Virulence