CRISPR Inhibition of Essential Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis Genes in Mycobacterium abscessus and Its Impact on β-Lactam Susceptibility

We utilized a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) assay to control the gene expressions of two predicted essential peptidoglycan biosynthesis genes, pbpB and cwIM , in Mycobacterium abscessus and to evaluate their contribution to β-lactam susceptibility. Our results showed that CRISPR inhibition of each gene led to a significant 3-log 10 reduction in CFU in the presence of imipenem but not for cefoxitin.