Staphylococcus hominis as a source of antimicrobial peptides: identification of a new peptide with potential antimicrobial properties using in silico approach

The rapid progression of antimicrobial resistance, fueled by the excessive use of antibiotics, has become a major public health concern. Among the pathogens contributing to this crisis, Staphylococcus aureus stands out as a significant therapeutic challenge, especially with the rise of resistant strains like Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) emerge as a promising alternative, thanks to their unique mechanisms of action. Exploring the genomes of species such as Staphylococcus hominis, known for producing AMPs effective against S. aureus, offers promising opportunities for discovering novel therapeutic agents. In this study, Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) combined with phylogenetic analysis identified a potential emerging subspecies of Staphylococcus hominis. The core genome analysis led to the identification of a potential antimicrobial peptide. The peptide model simulated with the S. aureus membrane model in molecular dynamics revealed that it interacts primarily with the lipids head groups, leading to an overall rigidification of the bacterial membrane.