Excreted cytoplasmic proteins contribute to pathogenicity in Staphylococcus aureus

Patrick Ebner, Janina Rinker, Minh Thu Nguyen, Peter Popella, Mulugeta Nega, Arif Luqman, Birgit Schittek, Moreno Di Marco, Stefan Stevanovic, Friedrich Götza*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Excretion of cytoplasmic proteins in pro- and eukaryotes, also referred to as "nonclassical protein export," is a well-known phenomenon. However, comparatively little is known about the role of the excreted proteins in relation to pathogenicity. Here, the impact of two excreted glycolytic enzymes, aldolase (FbaA) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), on pathogenicity was investigated in Staphylococcus aureus. Both enzymes bound to certain host matrix proteins and enhanced adherence of the bacterial cells to host cells but caused a decrease in host cell invasion. FbaA and GAPDH also bound to the cell surfaces of staphylococcal cells by interaction with the major autolysin, Atl, that is involved in host cell internalization. Surprisingly, FbaA showed high cytotoxicity to both MonoMac 6 (MM6) and HaCaT cells, while GAPDH was cytotoxic only for MM6 cells. Finally, the contribution of external FbaA and GAPDH to S. aureus pathogenicity was confirmed in an insect infection model.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1672-1681
Number of pages10
JournalInfection and Immunity
Volume84
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2016
Externally publishedYes

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