Molecular interactions and inhibition of the staphylococcal biofilm-forming protein SdrC.

ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus aureus forms biofilms on indwelling medical devices using a variety of cell-surface proteins. There is growing evidence that specific homophilic interactions between these proteins represent an important mechanism of cell accumulation during biofilm formation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not well-understood. Here we report the direct measurement of homophilic binding forces by the serine-aspartate repeat protein SdrC and their inhibition by a peptide. Using single-cell and single-molecule force measurements, we find that SdrC is engaged in low-affinity homophilic bonds that promote cell-cell adhesion. Low-affinity intercellular adhesion may play a role in favoring biofilm dynamics. We show that SdrC also mediates strong cellular interactions with

SUBMITTER: Feuillie C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5389287 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature