biostudies-literatureDernovics AEuropean Regional Development Fund3018https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10669503biostudies-literatureUnknown11(11)<h4>Background</h4>Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are pore-forming toxins (PFTs) produced by staphylococci. PSMs exert diverse cellular effects, including lytic, pro-apoptotic, pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. Since the effects of PSMs on autophagy have not yet been reported, we evaluated the autophagic activity in HaCaT keratinocytes treated with recombinant PSMα3.<h4>Methods</h4>The autophagic flux and levels of autophagic marker proteins were determined using Western blot analysis. Subcellular localization of LC3B and Beclin-1 was investigated using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The ultrastructural features of control and PSMα3-treated cells were evaluated via transmission electron microscopy. Cytoplasmic acidification was measured via acridine orange staining. PhosphBiomedicinesPhenol-Soluble Modulin α3 Stimulates Autophagy in HaCaT Keratinocytes.PMC10669503EFOP-3.6.1-16-2016-00008Megyeri KRazga ZAyaydin FSeprenyi GVereb ZDernovics AfalsePhenol-Soluble Modulin α3 Stimulates Autophagy in HaCaT Keratinocytes.<h4>Background</h4>Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are pore-forming toxins (PFTs) produced by staphylococci. PSMs exert diverse cellular effects, including lytic, pro-apoptotic, pro-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. Since the effects of PSMs on autophagy have not yet been reported, we evaluated the autophagic activity in HaCaT keratinocytes treated with recombinant PSMα3.<h4>Methods</h4>The autophagic flux and levels of autophagic marker proteins were determined using Western blot analysis. Subcellular localization of LC3B and Beclin-1 was investigated using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The ultrastructural features of control and PSMα3-treated cells were evaluated via transmission electron microscopy. Cytoplasmic acidification was measured via acridine orange staining. Phosph2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 Nov2025-04-19T13:50:48.798Z2025-04-19T13:50:48.798ZS-EPMC106695033800201710.3390/biomedicines11113018