The interaction between Staphylococcus aureus SdrD and desmoglein 1 is important for adhesion to host cells

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus frequently colonizes skin and mucosa.
• Microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs) are key bacterial adhesins.
• Serine aspartate repeat containing protein D (SdrD) mediates adhesion to human nasal cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel host interaction partners for the S. aureus adhesin SdrD.
• To investigate the role of Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) in S. aureus adhesion.

Main Methods:

• Genetic deletion of the sdrD gene in S. aureus.
• Heterologous expression of SdrD and Dsg1 in bacterial and human cell lines.
• In vitro bacterial adherence assays using cell cultures and recombinant proteins.
• Flow cytometry to confirm SdrD-Dsg1 interaction specificity.

Main Results:

• Deletion of sdrD reduced S. aureus adherence to Dsg1-expressing cells.
• Heterologous expression of SdrD or Dsg1 enhanced bacterial adherence.
• Direct binding between recombinant SdrD and immobilized Dsg1 was confirmed.
• SdrD specifically binds to Dsg1 on cell surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) is identified as a novel host ligand for the Staphylococcus aureus adhesin SdrD.
• The SdrD-Dsg1 interaction contributes to S. aureus colonization of host tissues.
• Understanding these interactions can inform strategies to combat S. aureus infections.