Integrated single-cell transcriptomic and network analysis identifies key regulators of Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm integrity

Biofilm growth curves of Acinetobacter baumannii were determined using the crystal violet staining method. Gene expression differences among different cell clusters were compared based on single-cell RNA sequencing data and validated by RT-qPCR. Functional validation of the target gene was further performed by comparing biofilm formation between wild-type (WT) and gene-knockout (KO) strains. Compared to the WT strain, the KO strain exhibited significantly reduced biofilm biomass and permeability, confirming the gene's role as a key regulator in biofilm formation. Targeting this gene may disrupt biofilm-associated drug resistance, providing a novel strategy for treating persistent infections.