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Identification of nitric oxide synthase in Staphylococcus aureus
1College of Pharmacy, Sung Kyun Kwan University, Suwon City, Kyunggi-Do, Korea.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|August 28, 1997
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus produces nitric oxide synthase (NOS), an enzyme crucial for nitric oxide (NO) production. This bacterial NOS isoform differs from human enzymes, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
Background:
- Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is essential for nitric oxide (NO) production in various organisms.
- Understanding bacterial NOS is vital for developing targeted antimicrobial strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of NOS in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538P.
- To determine if bacterial NOS shares properties with mammalian NOS isoforms.
Main Methods:
- Western blot analysis to detect NOS presence.
- Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify reaction products.
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx) measurement to quantify NO production.
- Enzyme inhibition assays using specific NOS inhibitors.
- Enzyme activity assays at varying pH and temperatures.
Main Results:
- NOS was detected in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538P via western blot.
- Citrulline and nitric oxide (NO) were confirmed as products of the enzymatic reaction.
- The enzyme exhibited sensitivity to known NOS inhibitors, N-nitro-L-arginine methylester and NG,NG-dimethyl-L-arginine.
- Optimal activity was observed at pH 6.5 and 47.5°C.
- The characterized bacterial NOS demonstrated distinct properties compared to mammalian NOS.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538P possesses a functional nitric oxide synthase.
- The bacterial NOS is biochemically distinct from mammalian NOS isoforms.
- These findings suggest potential for targeting bacterial NOS in therapeutic interventions.