Autolysin-mediated peptidoglycan hydrolysis is required for the surface display of Staphylococcus aureus cell wall-anchored proteins.

ABSTRACT: Peptidoglycan hydrolases, or autolysins, play a critical role in cell wall remodeling and degradation, facilitating bacterial growth, cell division, and cell separation. In Staphylococcus aureus, the so-called "major" autolysin, Atl, has long been associated with host adhesion; however, the molecular basis underlying this phenomenon remains understudied. To investigate, we used the type V glycopeptide antibiotic complestatin, which binds to peptidoglycan and blocks the activity of autolysins, as a chemical probe of autolysin function. We also generated a chromosomally encoded, catalytically inactive variant of the Atl enzyme. Autolysin-mediated peptidoglycan hydrolysis, in particular Atl-mediated daughter cell separation, was shown to be critical for maintaining optimal surface levels of S

SUBMITTER: Leonard AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10041135 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature