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

ABSTRACT: Biofilm-associated infection due to Staphylococcus epidermidis, the leading nosocomial pathogen, is a major problem for the public health system, but the regulation of this important phenotype is not completely understood. Using a highly discriminatory screening procedure for genes that influence biofilm formation, we identified the transcriptional regulator SarZ as a novel important determinant of biofilm formation and biofilm-associated infection, on the basis of the significant impact of sarZ on the transcription of the biosynthetic operon for biofilm exopolysaccharide. In addition, sarZ influenced the expression of a series of virulence genes, including genes that influence the expression of lipases and proteases, resistance to an important human antimicrobial peptide, and hemolysis. O

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2731560 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature