Two repetitive, biofilm-forming proteins from Staphylococci: From disorder to extension

Fiona Whelan, Jennifer R. Potts*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are an important cause of medical device-related infections that are difficult to treat with antibiotics. Biofilms, in which bacteria are embedded in a bacteriallyproduced exopolymeric matrix, form on the surface of the implanted medical device. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the initial surface attachment and subsequent intercellular interactions as the biofilm matures is improving. Biofilm accumulation can be mediated by a partially deacetylated form of poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) but, more recently, the role of bacterial surface proteins is being recognized. Here we describe the structure and function of two S. aureus cell surface proteins, FnBPA and SasG, implicated in host interactions and biofilm accumulation. These multifunctional proteins employ intrinsic disorder for distinct molecular outcomes. In the case of FnBPA, disorder generates adhesive arrays that bind fibronectin (Fn); in the case of SasG, disorder is, counterintuitively, used to maintain a strong extended fold.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)861-866
Number of pages6
JournalBiochemical Society transactions
Volume43
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2015

Keywords

  • Biofilm
  • FnBPA
  • SasG
  • Staphylococcus aureus

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