Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2025

A Fluorescence-based Method to Study Bacterial Gene Regulation in Infected Tissues
07:10

A Fluorescence-based Method to Study Bacterial Gene Regulation in Infected Tissues

Published on: February 19, 2019

9.0K

The Cell Wall Deacetylases Spy1094 and Spy1370 Contribute to Streptococcus pyogenes Virulence

Tiger Aspell1, Adrina Hema J Khemlani1, Catherine Jia-Yun Tsai1,2

  • 1Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

Microorganisms
|February 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pyogenes enzymes Spy1094 and Spy1370 are key virulence factors. Deleting these genes reduces bacterial infection severity and increases susceptibility to antimicrobial peptides, suggesting they are potential antibacterial targets.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) causes numerous human diseases.
  • Spy1094 and Spy1370 are N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) deacetylases in S. pyogenes serotype M1.
  • Cell wall deacetylases are known to confer resistance to lysozyme.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Spy1094 and Spy1370 in S. pyogenes virulence.
  • To determine the impact of these enzymes on bacterial resistance mechanisms.
  • To explore their potential as targets for novel antibacterial agents.

Main Methods:

  • Generated gene deletion mutants of spy1094 and spy1370 in S. pyogenes.
  • Created gain-of-function mutants in Lactococcus lactis.
  • Assessed lysozyme resistance, human whole blood killing assays, Galleria mellonella infection models, and cecropin B resistance.

Main Results:

  • Spy1094 and Spy1370 confer lysozyme resistance.
  • Gene deletions decreased S. pyogenes virulence in vivo and in vitro.
  • Expression in L. lactis enhanced resistance and virulence.
  • Spy1370 deletion reduced cecropin B resistance; both increased biofilm formation.

Conclusions:

  • Spy1094 and Spy1370 are significant virulence factors for S. pyogenes.
  • These enzymes contribute to bacterial resistance and biofilm formation.
  • They represent promising targets for developing new antibacterial therapies.
Keywords:
Galleria mellonella infection modelLactococcus lactisStreptococcus pyogenesbiofilmdeacetylasegene deletion mutantsgroup A Streptococcuslysozyme resistancewhole blood killing assay

More Related Videos

Monitoring the Assembly of a Secreted Bacterial Virulence Factor Using Site-specific Crosslinking11:33

Monitoring the Assembly of a Secreted Bacterial Virulence Factor Using Site-specific Crosslinking

Published on: December 17, 2013

6.2K
Synthesis of Masarimycin, a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Gram-Positive Bacterial Growth09:10

Synthesis of Masarimycin, a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Gram-Positive Bacterial Growth

Published on: January 7, 2022

2.4K

Related Concept Videos

Role of Microtubules in Cell Wall Deposition01:02

Role of Microtubules in Cell Wall Deposition

Microtubules are small hollow tubes in eukaryotic cells. The cell wall microtubules are polymerized dimers of two globular proteins, α-tubulin and β-tubulin, two globular proteins. With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the widest components of the cytoskeleton. They help the cell resist compression and provide a track along which vesicles move through the cell or pull replicated chromosomes to opposite ends of a dividing cell. Microtubules go through quick cycles of...
2.5K
Bacterial Cell Wall01:22

Bacterial Cell Wall

The bacterial cell wall is an essential structural component that encases the plasma membrane, preserving cellular integrity, determining shape, and protecting against osmotic stress. This rigid yet flexible structure primarily comprises peptidoglycan, a polymer that forms a mesh-like matrix conferring mechanical strength and flexibility.Peptidoglycan Composition and StructurePeptidoglycan, the core of the bacterial cell wall, comprises alternating units of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and...
143
Archaeal Cell Wall01:29

Archaeal Cell Wall

Archaeal cell walls are structurally and compositionally distinct from their bacterial counterparts, lacking the characteristic peptidoglycan layer found in most bacteria. Instead, archaeal cell walls exhibit remarkable diversity, utilizing materials such as pseudomurein, polysaccharides, and proteins to construct their protective outer layers. This structural flexibility is closely tied to archaea's ecological adaptability.S-Layers: The Common Archaeal Cell WallThe S-layer is the most...
85
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing01:28

Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing

Quorum sensing is a mechanism of bacterial communication that enables coordinated gene expression in response to changes in population density. This facilitates collective behaviors that enhance survival, resource acquisition, and ecological adaptation. This process relies on small signaling molecules called autoinducers that accumulate as bacterial populations grow. When a critical threshold concentration of autoinducers is reached, bacterial cells collectively modify gene expression,...
53
Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope01:18

Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope

The outermost layers of prokaryotic cells play a critical role in their survival, virulence, and interaction with the environment. These layers, often composed of polysaccharides, polypeptides, or proteins, form protective and adhesive structures that vary in organization and function.Capsules and Slime LayersCapsules are highly organized, tightly bound layers that firmly attach to the bacterial cell wall. Capsules are usually made of polysaccharides, though some are made of polypeptides. These...
155
Plant Cell Wall02:43

Plant Cell Wall

The plant cell wall gives plant cells shape, support, and protection. As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to the cell type. For example, the parenchyma cells of leaves possess only a thin, primary cell wall.
57.0K