Proton pump inhibitor exposure modulates functional and transcriptional responses in Lactobacillus acidophilus: a comprehensive computational and experimental insights
Abstract
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely prescribed medications for gastric acid-related disorders. However, their effect on the gut microbiota remains incompletely understood, despite emerging evidence suggesting potential long-term alterations in microbial composition and reductions in beneficial taxa. In this study, Lactobacillus acidophilus, a well-known probiotic species, was used as a representative model organism to investigate the microbiological effects of PPIs. This specific bacterium is linked to immune modulation, vitamin metabolism, and the preservation of the epithelial barrier. The effects of PPIs on L. acidophilus at the structural and functional levels were elucidated by an integrated framework including subtractive genomics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, antimicrobial assays, and transcriptional analysis. Using a multi-criteria scoring system, essential, non-redundant, non-human homologous cytoplasmic proteins were ranked and mapped to important pathways such as ATP synthesis, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, amino-sugar metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and protein maturation. Molecular docking suggested potential binding of pantoprazole and rabeprazole to targets such as MurA, MurB, MurE, GlmS, NadE, AtpD, Def, and PyrH proteins. MD simulation showed stable protein-PPI complexes with localized flexibility changes near catalytic domains while preserving the global fold. Consistent with in-silico expectations, both…
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