Osmolyte transport inStaphylococcus aureusand the role in pathogenesis

Abstract

Osmolyte transport is a pivotal part of bacterial life, particularly in high salt environments. Several low and high affinity osmolyte transport systems have been identified in various bacterial species. A lot of research has centered on characterizing the osmolyte transport systems of Gram‐negative bacteria, but less has been done to characterize the same transport systems in Gram‐positive bacteria. This review will focus on the previous work that has been done to understand the osmolyte transport systems in the species Staphylococcus aureus and how these transporters may serve dual functions in allowing the bacteria to survive and grow in a variety of environments, including on the surface or within humans or other animals.

Adaptive Metabolism in Staphylococci: Survival and Persistence in Environmental and Clinical Settings

“…The efficacy of glycine betaine in restoring normal cellular morphology and growth was demonstrated in a NaCl-sensitive mutant [ 65 , 67 , 68 ]. Other compatible solutes which are also accumulated in high NaCl conditions include glutamine, alanine, choline, proline betaine, taurine, and glutamic acid [ 67 , 69 ]. While S. aureus synthesizes molecules such as glutamic acid, other solutes are imported from the external environment via transport systems.…”

“…While S. aureus synthesizes molecules such as glutamic acid, other solutes are imported from the external environment via transport systems. Mutations that inhibit functionality of these transport systems in S. aureus reduced its survivability in infection models at locations of high salt concentrations [ 69 ].…”

Genome Mining and Comparative Pathogenomic Analysis of An Endemic Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Clone, ST612-CC8-t1257-SCCmec_IVd(2B), Isolated in South Africa

“…For example, to overcome dramatic changes in osmolarity (the concentration of a solution) or osmotic stress, they harboured the glycerol uptake protein facilitator (glpF) reported to play a pivotal role in glycerol efflux and influx during hyperosmotic conditions [77]. They also possessed the osmoprotectant, Choline-glycine betaine uptake and biosynthesis system, which operates the feedback mechanism via the up-and down-regulation of both molecules (choline and glycine betaine) to control high salt stress in the micro-environment [78,79]. Additionally, both choline and glycine betaine can serve as sources of carbon and nitrogen for the strains to grow and survive in a variety of niches [78,79].…”

“…They also possessed the osmoprotectant, Choline-glycine betaine uptake and biosynthesis system, which operates the feedback mechanism via the up-and down-regulation of both molecules (choline and glycine betaine) to control high salt stress in the micro-environment [78,79]. Additionally, both choline and glycine betaine can serve as sources of carbon and nitrogen for the strains to grow and survive in a variety of niches [78,79]. For oxidative stress response, the clone contained super-oxidase dismutase, reductase and peroxidase enzymes that break harmful products by neutralizing them before they cause damage to essential cellular components, including DNA, membrane lipids and proteins [80].…”

Biological Wonders of Osmolytes: The Need to Know More

“…Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major cause of skin and soft tissue infections. Osmolyte transport in Staphylococcus aureus and its role in pathogenesis have recently been described [57].…”