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Mechanomicrobiology: How Mechanical Forces Activate Staphylococcus aureus Adhesion
Joan A Geoghegan1, Yves F Dufrêne2
1Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Trends in Microbiology
|June 6, 2018
Summary
Mechanical force activates Staphylococcus aureus adhesion proteins, enhancing bacterial colonization of surfaces. This adaptation helps the pathogen withstand shear stress during host tissue and biomaterial colonization.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Surface-attached bacteria face mechanical stresses like hydrodynamic flow and cell-surface contacts during colonization.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen that colonizes various surfaces, including host tissues and biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mechanical forces in activating bacterial adhesion.
- To understand how Staphylococcus aureus withstands mechanical stress during colonization.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two publications detailing bacterial surface protein function under mechanical stress.
- Focus on Staphylococcus aureus and its adhesive proteins.
Main Results:
- Mechanical force was shown to activate the adhesive function of Staphylococcus aureus surface proteins.
- This activation provides a mechanism for the bacteria to endure high shear stress.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical forces play a crucial role in bacterial adaptation and survival.
- Staphylococcus aureus utilizes mechanical force-induced protein activation for robust colonization.
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