SarZ is a key regulator of biofilm formation and virulence in Staphylococcus epidermidis

ABSTRACT: Biofilm-associated infection by the leading nosocomial pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major problem for the public health system. Here we used an especially discriminatory, two-step screen to discover key biofilm factors. We identified the transcriptional regulator and SarA paralog SarZ as a novel important determinant of biofilm formation and biofilm-associated infection by S. epidermidis. Notably, a sarZ mutant strain exhibited significantly reduced survival in two different models of biofilm-associated infection. Further, in addition to its significant influence on the transcription of the biosynthetic operon for S. epidermidis biofilm exopolysaccharide, sarZ impacted the expression of a series of virulence factors, including lipases and proteases. As a likely consequence of t

ORGANISM(S): Staphylococcus epidermidis

SUBMITTER: Daniel Sturdevant 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-8523 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress