The cidA murein hydrolase regulator contributes to DNA release and biofilm development in Staphylococcus aureus

The Staphylococcus aureus cidA and lrgA genes have been shown to affect cell lysis under a variety of conditions during planktonic growth. It is hypothesized that these genes encode holins and antiholins, respectively, and may serve as molecular control elements of bacterial cell lysis. To examine the biological role of cell death and lysis, we studied the impact of the cidA mutation on biofilm development. Interestingly, this mutation had a dramatic impact on biofilm morphology and adherence. The cidA mutant (KB1050) biofilm exhibited a rougher appearance compared with the parental strain (UAMS-1) and was less adherent. Propidium iodide staining revealed that KB1050 accumulated more dead cells within the…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Defense
• UO
  University of Nebraska Medical Center
• CU
  Creighton University
• UO
  University of Leeds
• DA
  Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst
• DT
  Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
• NI
  National Institutes of Health
• NC
  National Center for Research Resources