The giant extracellular matrix-binding protein ofStaphylococcus epidermidismediates biofilm accumulation and attachment to fibronectin

Abstract

SummaryVirulence of nosocomial pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis is essentially related to formation of adherent biofilms, assembled by bacterial attachment to an artificial surface and subsequent production of a matrix that mediates interbacterial adhesion. Growing evidence supports the idea that proteins are functionally involved in S. epidermidis biofilm accumulation. We found that in S. epidermidis 1585v overexpression of a 460 kDa truncated isoform of the extracellular matrix-binding protein (Embp) is necessary for biofilm formation. Embp is a giant fibronectin-binding protein harbouring 59 Found In Various Architectures (FIVAR) and 38 protein G-related albumin-binding (GA) domains. Studies using defined Embp-positive and -negative S. epidermidis strains proved that Embp is sufficient and necessary for biofilm formation. Further data showed that the FIVAR domains of Embp mediate binding of S. epidermidis to solid-phase attached fibronectin, constituting the first step of biofilm formation on conditioned surfaces. The binding site in fibronectin was assigned to the fibronectin domain type III12. Embp-mediated biofilm formation also protected S. epidermidis from phagocytosis by macrophages. Thus, Embp is a multifunctional cell surface protein that mediates attachment to host extracellular matrix, biofilm accumulation and escape from phagocytosis, and therefore is well suited for promoting implant-associated infections.

Molecular mechanisms and biological role ofCampylobacter jejuniattachment to host cells

“…Alternatively, the respective genes may be differentially expressed and induced under certain stages of infection. Indeed, a Fn binding protein of Staphylococcus epidermidis was found to be expressed only in vivo during infection [75]. Further studies on attachment to host cell receptors should lead to better understanding of the lifestyle and the mechanisms of pathogenicity of C. jejuni.…”

Vectors for improved Tet repressor-dependent gradual gene induction or silencing in Staphylococcus aureus

“…1a). According to previous experiences (Christner et al, 2010;Giese et al, 2009), these vectors can be assumed to also function efficiently in other staphylococci.…”

Bacterial adhesion to animal tissues: protein determinants for recognition of extracellular matrix components

“…In EcmbP (ECMbinding protein), it was demonstrated to interact with FnIII module (Christner et al, 2010). FBD4 is essentially present in the phylum Firmicutes.…”