Role of Glucose-6-Phosphate in Metabolic Adaptation of Staphylococcus aureus in Diabetes
Keun Seok Seo, Nogi Park, Jaime K. Rutter, Youngkyung Park, Carol L. Baker, Justin A. Thornton, Joo Youn Park
Abstract
Sugars are essential nutrients for S. aureus to survive and proliferate within the host. Because elevated serum glucose levels are a hallmark of diabetes, most studies have focused on the effect of glucose metabolism, and very little is known regarding the effects of metabolism of other sugars on the pathogenesis of S. aureus in diabetes. In this study, we demonstrated that G6P, which is highly present in diabetes, can induce expression of staphylococcal virulence factors that cause severe tissue necrosis and bacterial burden in skin infections. Our results highlight the importance of nutritional control of blood sugar levels, not only glucose but also other highly metabolizable sugars such as G6P. A better understanding of how activation of the HPT system is linked to the virulence of S. aureus will guide development of novel alternative therapeutics.