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Published on: April 25, 2015
D-serine transporter in Staphylococcus saprophyticus identified.
Lennart Marlinghaus1, Melanie Huß2, Miriam Korte-Berwanger2
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiologie, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44892 Bochum, Germany Lennart.Marlinghaus@rub.de.
Staphylococcus saprophyticus causes urinary tract infections. Researchers identified a D-serine transporter (DstA) in this bacterium, crucial for its response to D-serine and colonization.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a key cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young women.
- D-serine, abundant in urine, impacts bacterial virulence and nutrient utilization.
- The role of D-serine transport in S. saprophyticus colonization was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate D-serine transport in uropathogenic Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
- To identify the specific transporter responsible for D-serine uptake in S. saprophyticus.
Main Methods:
- Generated mutants of S. saprophyticus 7108 with homology to E. coli's D-serine transporter.
- Utilized a D-serine depletion assay to measure D-serine uptake rates in wild-type and mutant strains.
- Analyzed the effect of D-serine on bacterial growth in a chemically defined medium.
Main Results:
- A mutant of the gene SPP1070 exhibited significantly reduced D-serine uptake.
- SPP1070 was identified as the primary D-serine transporter in S. saprophyticus 7108, designated D-serine transporter A (DstA).
- The presence of DstA mediated a prolonged lag phase in S. saprophyticus growth when exposed to D-serine.
Conclusions:
- DstA is a major D-serine transporter in Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
- D-serine transport via DstA influences S. saprophyticus growth dynamics.
- Understanding D-serine transport may offer insights into S. saprophyticus UTI pathogenesis.
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