Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of CodY-Mediated Cell Aggregation in Staphylococcus aureus Reveals an Interaction between Extracellular DNA and Polysaccharide in the Extracellular Matrix
Kevin D. Mlynek, Logan L. Bulock, Carl J. Stone, Luke J. Curran, Marat R. Sadykov, Kenneth W. Bayles, Shaun R. Brinsmade
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus remains a global health concern and exemplifies the ability of an opportunistic pathogen to adapt and persist within multiple environments, including host tissue. Not only does biofilm contribute to persistence and immune evasion in the host environment, it also may aid in the transition to invasive disease. Thus, understanding how biofilms form is critical for developing strategies for dispersing biofilms and improving biofilm disease-related outcomes. Using biochemical, genetic, and cell biology approaches, we reveal a synergistic interaction between PIA and eDNA that promotes cell aggregation and biofilm formation in a CodY-dependent manner in S. aureus . We also reveal that envelope-associated lipoproteins mediate attachment of the biofilm matrix to the cell surface.