Targeting staphylococcal cell-wall biosynthesis protein FemX through steered molecular dynamics and drug-repurposing approach

Staphylococcus aureus-mediated infection is a serious threat in this antimicrobial-resistant world. S. aureus has become a superbug by challenging conventional as well as modern treatment strategies. Nowadays, drug repurposing has become a new trend for the discovery of new drug molecules. This study focuses on evaluating FDA-approved drugs that can be repurposed against S. aureus infection. Steered molecular dynamics (SMD) has been performed for Lumacaftor and Olaparib against staphylococcal FemX to understand their binding to the active site. A time-dependent external force or rupture has been applied to the ligands to calculate the force required to dislocate the ligand from the binding pocket. SMD analysis indicates that Lumacaftor has a high affinity for the substrate binding pocket in comparison to Olaparib. Umbrella sampling exhibits that Lumacaftor possesses a higher free energy barrier to displace it from the ligand-binding site. The bactericidal activity of Lumacaftor and Olaparib has been tested, and it shows that Lumacaftor has shown moderate activity along with biofilm inhibition potential (MIC value with conc. 128 g/mL). Pharmacokinetic and toxicology evaluations indicate that Lumacaftor has higher pharmacokinetic potential with lower toxicity. This is the first experimental report where staphylococcal FemX has been targeted for the discovery of new drugs. It is suggested that Lumacaftor may be a potential lead molecule against S. aureus.