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Published on: September 8, 2021
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Supramolecular structure in the membrane of Staphylococcus aureus
Jorge García-Lara1, Felix Weihs1, Xing Ma1
1The Krebs Institute, Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom;
Summary
Researchers discovered a self-organizing molecular scaffold in Staphylococcus aureus, involving MreD, that patterns the bacterial cell membrane for optimal growth and function.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cellular life requires precise temporal and spatial control of biological functions.
- Coordinating elements in bacteria are emerging as key to understanding cell growth and division.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discover and characterize a supramolecular structure in the membrane of Staphylococcus aureus.
- To investigate the role of MreD in organizing this structure and its impact on cell function.
Main Methods:
- Studied the distribution of essential lipid metabolism proteins (PlsY and CdsA) in Staphylococcus aureus.
- Investigated the requirement of MreD for the observed protein organization.
- Analyzed pattern formation based on membrane bending energy, entropy of mixing, and geometric constraints.
Main Results:
- Discovered a large-scale supramolecular pattern in the Staphylococcus aureus cell membrane.
- This organization requires MreD and involves proteins like PlsY and CdsA.
- The pattern formation is explained by self-organization principles including membrane mechanics and molecular interactions.
Conclusions:
- Evidence for a self-organized, nonpercolating molecular scaffold involving MreD in Staphylococcus aureus.
- This scaffold contributes to optimal cell function and growth through intrinsic self-assembly properties.
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