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Characterization of staphylococcal gamma-lysin.
M Clyne1, T H Birkbeck, J P Arbuthnott
1Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
Journal of General Microbiology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Two synergistic haemolytic components, gamma-lysin 1 and gamma-lysin 2, were purified from Staphylococcus aureus. Gamma-lysin 1, a potential protease, potentiates haemolysis, especially with gamma-lysin 2.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus produces various toxins, including haemolysins, contributing to pathogenicity.
- Understanding the specific roles and interactions of these toxins is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify and characterize the haemolytic components (gamma-lysin 1 and gamma-lysin 2) from Staphylococcus aureus.
- To investigate the synergistic haemolytic activity and potential enzymatic properties of these components.
Main Methods:
- Purification of gamma-lysin components using heparin-agarose and hydroxylapatite chromatography.
- Assessment of haemolytic activity on different erythrocyte types (rabbit, sheep, human).
- Analysis of synergistic interactions with proteases (trypsin, papain) and protease inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Two synergistic haemolytic components, gamma-lysin 1 (32 kDa, pI 9.4) and gamma-lysin 2 (36 kDa, pI 9.3), were isolated.
- Both components potentiated haemolysis synergistically, with higher sensitivity observed in rabbit and sheep erythrocytes compared to human erythrocytes.
- Gamma-lysin 2 showed synergism with trypsin and papain, while gamma-lysin 1 did not, and protease inhibitors blocked the synergism between gamma-lysin 1 and gamma-lysin 2.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus produces at least two synergistic haemolytic gamma-lysin components.
- Gamma-lysin 1 exhibits properties suggesting it may be a protease, contributing to the overall haemolytic virulence of the bacteria.