Novel Functions and Signaling Specificity for the GraS Sensor Kinase of Staphylococcus aureus in Response to Acidic pH.

ABSTRACT: Although the GraS sensor kinase of Staphylococcus aureus is known for the sensing of and resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs), we recently established that it also signals in response to acidic pH, which is encountered on human skin concurrently with CAMPs, antimicrobial unsaturated free fatty acids (uFFA), and calcium. We therefore evaluated how these environmental signals would affect GraS function and resistance to antimicrobial uFFA. Growth at pH 5.5 promoted increased resistance of S. aureus USA300 to linoleic and arachidonic acids but not palmitoleic or sapienic acid. However, enhanced resistance to these C_16:1 uFFA was achieved by supplementing acidic medium with 0.5 mM calcium or subinhibitory CAMPs. Enhanced resistance to uFFA at acidic pH

SUBMITTER: Kuiack RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7585063 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature