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Mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus invasion of cultured osteoblasts
J K Ellington1, S S Reilly, W K Ramp
1Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, USA.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial pathogen causing approximately 80% of all cases of human osteomyelitis. This bacterium can adhere to and become internalized by osteoblasts and previous studies indicate that osteoblasts are active in the internalization process. In the current study, we examined the roles of microfilaments, microtubules and clathrin-dependent receptor-mediated endocytosis in the internalization of S. aureus by MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblast cells. Microfilament and microtubule polymerization was inhibited with cytochalasin D and colchicine. Clathrin-coated pit formation was examined by using the transaminase inhibitor, monodanslycadaverine. The results of this study indicate that mouse osteoblasts utilize actin microfilaments, microtubules and clathrin-coated pits in the internalization of S. aureus; however, microfilaments seem to play the most significant role in the invasion process.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus internalization by osteoblasts involves microfilaments, microtubules, and clathrin-coated pits. Actin microfilaments play the most critical role in this bacterial invasion process.
Area of Science:
- Bacterial pathogenesis
- Cell biology
- Osteomyelitis research
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a primary cause of human osteomyelitis.
- Osteoblasts actively participate in the internalization of S. aureus.
- Understanding bacterial entry mechanisms is crucial for treating bone infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular mechanisms of S. aureus internalization by osteoblasts.
- To determine the roles of microfilaments, microtubules, and clathrin-dependent endocytosis.
- To identify the most significant cellular component in bacterial invasion.
Main Methods:
- Using MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblast cells.
- Inhibiting microfilament and microtubule polymerization with cytochalasin D and colchicine.
- Assessing clathrin-coated pit formation using monodansylcadaverine.
Main Results:
- Osteoblasts utilize actin microfilaments, microtubules, and clathrin-coated pits for S. aureus internalization.
- Inhibition studies revealed the involvement of these cellular structures.
- Microfilaments demonstrated the most significant contribution to the invasion process.
Conclusions:
- Mouse osteoblasts employ multiple cellular pathways to internalize S. aureus.
- Actin microfilaments are essential for S. aureus invasion of osteoblasts.
- Targeting microfilament function may offer a therapeutic strategy against S. aureus osteomyelitis.