Survival Strategies of Staphylococcus aureus: Adaptive Regulation of the Anti-Restriction Gene ardA-H1 Under Stress Conditions
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Objective: The anti-restriction protein ArdA-H1, found in multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains from the ST239-SCCmecIII lineage, inhibits restriction–modification systems, fostering horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and supporting genetic adaptability and resistance. This study investigates the regulatory mechanisms controlling ardA-H1 expression in S. aureus under various stress conditions, including acidic pH, iron limitation, and vancomycin exposure, and explores the roles of the Agr quorum sensing system. Methods: The expression of ardA-H1 was analyzed in S. aureus strains exposed to environmental stressors using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Comparisons were made between Agr-functional and Agr-deficient strains. In addition, Agr inhibition was achieved using a heterologous Agr autoinducing peptide. Results: The Agr system upregulated ardA-H1 expression in acidic and iron-limited conditions. However, vancomycin induced ardA-H1 activation specifically in the Agr-deficient strain GV69, indicating that an alternative regulatory pathway controls ardA-H1 expression in the absence of agr. The vancomycin response in GV69 suggests that diminished quorum sensing may offer a survival advantage by promoting persistence and HGT-related adaptability. Conclusion: Overall, our findings provide new insights into the intricate relationships between quorum-sensing, stress responses, bacterial virulence, and genetic plasticity, enhancing our understanding of S. aureus adaptability in challenging environments.
Source: Antibiotics
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,296
Awards: G1009763883, G1501914021, G1686041357, G1824386095, G1840770272, G2143146206, G2311368543, G2667851536, G384626577, G4803811097, G5002390374, G5157461147, G5181119092, G5964774232, G6102572554, G679657245, G7307196701, FIOCRUZ - to develop innovative tools that will help understand risk factors that contribute to poor health outcomes regarding anti microbial resistance and ...
OpenAlex ID: W4404699038