Identification of genes affecting expression of phosphoglycerate kinase on the surface of group B streptococcus

Can J Microbiol. 2012 Apr;58(4):433-41. doi: 10.1139/w2012-015. Epub 2012 Mar 23.

Abstract

Group B streptococcal phosphoglycerate kinase (GBS-PGK), a glycolytic enzyme, has previously been identified on the surface of group B streptococcus (GBS). To identify genes involved in surface expression of GBS-PGK, we performed Tn917 mutagenesis followed by quantification of PGK expressed on the GBS surface. Tn917 mutagenesis identified 4 genes (sag0966, sag0979, sag0980, and sag1003) that when disrupted, alter expression of GBS-PGK on the bacterial surface. Three of the identified genes were localized to a region of the GBS genome containing genes (sag0973-sag0977) predicted to be involved in resistance to antimicrobial peptides. One mutant isolate, designated NCS13sag1003::Tn917, was found to have increased sensitivity to the antimicrobial peptides bacitracin and nisin. In addition, all of the mutant strains assayed were found to have decreased β-hemolysis. In conclusion, we have identified genes involved in surface expression of GBS-PGK. These genes also appear to be involved in antimicrobial peptide resistance and regulate expression of the β-hemolysin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Antigens, Bacterial / genetics
  • Antigens, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Bacitracin / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / physiology
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Hemolysin Proteins / genetics
  • Hemolysin Proteins / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Nisin / pharmacology
  • Peptides / genetics
  • Peptides / metabolism
  • Phosphoglycerate Kinase / genetics*
  • Phosphoglycerate Kinase / metabolism
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / drug effects
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / genetics*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Peptides
  • streptococcal beta antigen
  • Bacitracin
  • Nisin
  • Phosphoglycerate Kinase