Expression of the genes for lysostaphin and lysostaphin resistance in streptococci.
To determine if the genes for lysostaphin endopeptidase (end) and lysostaphin resistance (epr) function in streptococci, we transferred these genes from Staphylococcus simulans biovar staphylolyticus into two strains of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. The end-containing streptococci were able to produce and process proendopeptidase. Strains containing epr were more resistant to lysis by the streptococcolytic enzyme zoocin A and amino acid analysis of the peptidoglycans of the epr-containing streptococci revealed insertion of serines in their cross bridges. This is the first report of the transfer of a femABX-like immunity factor resulting in a physiologically useful effect in a different genus.
Heath Farris
M
M
Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0334, USA.
Heath
Lucie S
LS
Heath
Harry E
HE
LeBlanc
Paul A
PA
Simmonds
Robin S
RS
Sloan
Gary L
GL
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D008248:Lysostaphin / Q000378:metabolism*; D011815:R Factors; D018502:Streptococcus equi / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; C106076:ZooA protein, Streptococcus equi; D010450:Endopeptidases; C021524:lysostaphin endopeptidase; D008248:Lysostaphin