Staphylococcus aureus
Research ArticleGenome Sequencing of a Historic Staphylococcus aureus Collection Reveals New Enterotoxin Genes and Sheds Light on the Evolution and Genomic Organization of This Key Virulence Gene FamilyStaphylococcus aureus strains pose a significant health risk to both human and animal populations. Key among this species’ virulence factors is the staphylococcal enterotoxin gene family.
Research ArticleRegulated Cleavage of Glycan Strands by the Murein Hydrolase SagB in Staphylococcus aureus Involves a Direct Interaction with LyrA (SpdC)Peptidoglycan is assembled on the trans side of the plasma membrane from lipid II precursors into glycan chains that are cross-linked at stem peptides. In S. aureus, SagB, a membrane-associated N-acetylglucosaminidase, cleaves polymerized glycan chains to their physiological length.
Research ArticleCarbon Source-Dependent Reprogramming of Anaerobic Metabolism in Staphylococcus aureusUnder infection conditions, S. aureus needs to ensure survival when energy production via oxidative phosphorylation is not possible, e.g., either due to the lack of terminal electron acceptors or by the inactivation of components of the respiratory chain. Under these conditions, S. aureus can switch...
Research ArticleStaphylococcus aureus Trigger Factor Is Involved in Biofilm Formation and Cooperates with the Chaperone PpiBS. aureus encodes a large number of virulence factors that aid the bacterium in survival and pathogenesis. These virulence factors have a wide variety of functions; however, they must all be properly secreted in order to be functional.
Research ArticleMgrA Activates Staphylococcal Capsule via SigA-Dependent PromoterThe virulence of Staphylococcus aureus depends on the expression of various virulence factors, which is governed by a complex regulatory network. We have been using capsule as a model virulence factor to study virulence gene regulation in S. aureus. MgrA is one of the regulators of capsule and has a...
Research ArticleNovel Functions and Signaling Specificity for the GraS Sensor Kinase of Staphylococcus aureus in Response to Acidic pHStaphylococcus aureus asymptomatically colonizes 30% of humans but is also a leading cause of infectious morbidity and mortality. Since infections are typically initiated by the same strain associated with asymptomatic colonization of the nose or skin, it is important to understand how the microbe can endure exposure to harsh conditions that successfully restrict the...
Research ArticleStaphylococcus aureus Preferentially Liberates Inorganic Phosphate from Organophosphates in Environments where This Nutrient Is LimitingFor bacteria, the preferred form of the essential nutrient phosphate is inorganic monophosphate (Pi), but phosphate can also be extracted from a variety of phosphocompounds. Pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, experience Pi limitation within the host, suggesting that the use of alternative phosphate sources is important during infection....
Research ArticlePseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 Enhances the Efficacy of Norfloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus Newman BiofilmsPseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are frequently coisolated from multiple infection sites, including the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers. Coinfection with P. aeruginosa...
Research ArticleThe Streptococcal Protease SpeB Antagonizes the Biofilms of the Human Pathogen Staphylococcus aureus USA300 through Cleavage of the Staphylococcal SdrC ProteinStreptococcus pyogenes (GAS) causes a range of diseases in humans, ranging from mild to severe, and produces many virulence factors in order to be a successful pathogen. One factor produced by many GAS strains is the protease SpeB, which has been studied for its ability to cleave and degrade human proteins, an important factor in GAS pathogenesis. An understudied...
Research ArticleIntracellular Accumulation of Staphylopine Can Sensitize Staphylococcus aureus to Host-Imposed Zinc Starvation by Chelation-Independent ToxicityStaphylococcus aureus and many other bacterial pathogens rely on metal-binding small molecules to obtain the essential metal zinc during infection. In this study, we reveal that export of these small molecules is critical for overcoming host-imposed metal starvation during infection and prevents toxicity due to accumulation of the metal-binding molecule within the...