The overuse of antibiotics has caused an increased prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria. Bacterial resistance in E. coli is regulated via production of β-lactam-hydrolyzing β-lactamases enzymes. Escherichia coli O104: H4 is a multi-drug resistant strain known to resist β-lactam as well as several other antibiotics. Here, we report a molecular dynamic simulation-combined docking approach to identify, screen, and verify active pharmacophores against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). Experimental studies revealed a boronic acid cyclic monomer (BACM), a non-β-lactam compound, to inhibit the growth of E. coli O104: H4. In vitro Kirby Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility testing coupled interaction analysis suggests BACM inhibits E. coli O104:H4 growth by not only inhibiting the β-lactamase pathway but also via direct inhibition of the penicillin-binding protein. These results suggest that BACM could be used as a lead compound to develop potent drugs targeting beta-lactam resistant Gram-negative bacterial strains. KEY MESSAGES: • An in silico approach was reported to identify pharmacophores against E. coli O104: H4. • In vitro studies revealed a non-β-lactam compound to inhibit the growth of E. coli O104: H4. • This non-β-lactam compound could be used as a lead compound for targeting beta-lactam strains.
Keywords: Dynamic simulation; E. coli O104: H4; Non-β-lactam inhibitor; β-Lactamase.