Commensal-derived short-chain fatty acids disrupt lipid membrane homeostasis in <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>.

ABSTRACT: The role of commensal anaerobic bacteria in chronic respiratory infections is unclear, yet they can exist in abundances comparable to canonical pathogens in vivo. Their contributions to the metabolic landscape of the host environment may influence pathogen behavior by competing for nutrients and creating inhospitable conditions via toxic metabolites. Here, we reveal a mechanism by which the anaerobe-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) propionate and butyrate negatively affect Staphylococcus aureus physiology by disrupting branched chain fatty acid (BCFA) metabolism. In turn, BCFA impairment results in impaired growth, diminished expression of the agr quorum sensing system, as well as increased sensitivity to membrane-targeting antimicrobials. Altered BCFA metabolism also

SUBMITTER: Fletcher JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11343118 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature