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Proline is biosynthesized from arginine in Staphylococcus aureus
David E Townsend1, Anisa Kaenjak1, Radheshyam K Jayaswal1
1Microbiology Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61790-4120, USA.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus requires proline for growth, but can synthesize it from arginine. Supplementing arginine or ornithine shortens the lag phase, indicating arginine
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325 shows a prolonged lag phase in proline-deficient media.
- Proline biosynthesis is crucial for bacterial growth and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the primary proline biosynthesis pathway in Staphylococcus aureus.
- To investigate the relationship between arginine metabolism and proline synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized radiolabeled amino acid feeding (L-[14C]arginine, L-[14C]glutamate).
- Generated and analyzed transposon Tn917-lacZ mutants.
- Performed enzyme assays and precursor feeding experiments.
Main Results:
- Arginine, not glutamate, was incorporated into proline precursors.
- Mutants defective in arginine catabolism were proline auxotrophs.
- Proline prototrophic variants showed increased arginine uptake.
Conclusions:
- The major proline biosynthesis pathway in S. aureus proceeds from arginine via ornithine.
- Arginine metabolism is critical for proline production in this bacterium.
- Proline auxotrophy can be overcome by enhanced arginine uptake.