Metabolomics in antimicrobial drug discovery

Abstract

Introduction: In light of the ever-escalating problem of antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need for the development of new antimicrobials. In this review, the role of metabolomics in antimicrobial drug discovery and development is summarized and discussed. For this, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched with the article’s keywords and their combinations to retrieve the most relevant and up-to-date information. Areas covered: The areas covered include the metabolomic concepts and techniques and bioinformatic tools used in metabolomics as well as recent developments in these areas. Also, examples of the use of metabolomics tools in several areas of antimicrobial drug discovery are given. Expert opinion: Metabolomics, with the corresponding bioinformatic support and combination with other omics technologies, represents an integral and essential part of antimicrobial drug discovery and development. Metabolomics contributes to the mechanism-based approach in antimicrobial drug discovery, reveals the mechanisms of action of antimicrobials and non-antimicrobial compounds, identifies new targets, and opens new ways to manage and control bacterial infections.