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Induction of autolysis in Enterococcus faecalis S-47 by peptide AS-48
A Gálvez1, E Valdivia, M Martínez-Bueno
1Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Spain.
Abstract:
In addition to its bactericidal mode of action, the peptide antibiotic AS-48 exhibits a bacteriolytic effect on Enterococcus faecalis S-47 that is associated with autolysin activation. Bacteriolysis induced by the antibiotic can be modulated by addition of EDTA, divalent cations and autolysin activators (trypsin) or inhibitors (cardiolipin), suggesting that topologic regulation of the autolysins is involved in the process. In addition, inhibitors of protein and RNA synthesis interfere markedly with bacteriolysis, as do ionophores and the ATPase inhibitor DCCD, suggesting the participation of an internal messenger in autolysin activation in the presence of AS-48.
Insights
The peptide antibiotic AS-48 not only kills bacteria but also causes them to lyse by activating autolysins. This process involves internal messengers and is influenced by various chemical factors.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The peptide antibiotic AS-48 possesses known bactericidal properties.
- Its potential to induce bacterial lysis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bacteriolytic effect of AS-48 on Enterococcus faecalis S-47.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying AS-48-induced bacterial lysis, focusing on autolysin activation.
Main Methods:
- Assessing the bacteriolytic effect of AS-48 on Enterococcus faecalis S-47.
- Investigating the modulation of bacteriolysis by EDTA, divalent cations, and autolysin modulators (trypsin, cardiolipin).
- Examining the impact of protein/RNA synthesis inhibitors, ionophores, and ATPase inhibitors (DCCD) on AS-48-induced bacteriolysis.
Main Results:
- AS-48 induces bacteriolysis in Enterococcus faecalis S-47, linked to autolysin activation.
- Bacteriolysis is modulated by EDTA, divalent cations, trypsin, and cardiolipin, indicating topologic regulation of autolysins.
- Inhibitors of protein/RNA synthesis, ionophores, and DCCD significantly affect bacteriolysis, suggesting an internal messenger's role.
Conclusions:
- AS-48-induced bacteriolysis in Enterococcus faecalis involves autolysin activation.
- The process is regulated topographically and likely involves an internal messenger system.
- These findings offer insights into the multifaceted action of peptide antibiotics.