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Phenol-soluble modulins in staphylococci.
- Source :
-
Communicative & Integrative Biology . May/Jun2012, Vol. 5 Issue 3, p275-277. 3p. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are amphipathic peptides produced by staphylococci that have multiple functions in pathogenesis. For example, they may function as cytotoxins and pro-inflammatory agents. Additionally, in a recent study we demonstrated that Staphylococcus aureus PSMs structure biofilms and cause dissemination during biofilm infection. Based on those results suggesting a surfactant-like mechanism by which PSMs work, we here propose that all PSM functions in pathogenesis arose from an original role in non-pathogenic surface colonization. This original role may have included overcoming surface tension in environments of strongly varying hydrophobicity and emulsification of hydrophobic molecules for use as food sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19420889
- Volume :
- 5
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Communicative & Integrative Biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 83521180
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.4161/cib.19420