Unprotonated Short Chain Alkylamines Inhibit Staphylolytic Activity of Lysostaphin in a Wall Teichoic Acid-Dependent Manner.

This study offers new insight into the impact of short-chain alkylamines on both Lst and WTA structure and function, and provides guidance to the application of Lst in harsh environments.Importance Lysostaphin (Lst) effectively and selectively kills Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterial culprit of many hospital- and community-acquired skin and respiratory infections, and food poisoning. Lst has been investigated in animal models and clinical trials, in industrial formulations and environmental settings. Herein, we studied the mechanistic basis of the inhibitory effect of alkylamines, such as monoethanolamine (MEA), a widely used chemical in commercial detergents, on Lst activity, for the potential incorporation of Lst in disinfectant solutions. We have found that protonated MEA has little influence on Lst activity, while unprotonated MEA prevents Lst from binding to S. aureus cells, and hence dramatically decreases the enzyme's bacteriolytic efficacy. Following partial removal of the wall teichoic acid, an important component of the bacterial cell envelope, the inhibitory effect of unprotonated MEA on Lst is reduced. This phenomenon can be extended to other short-chain alkylamines. This mechanistic report of the impact of alkylamines on Lst functionality will shine light on the impact of alkylamines on Lst functionality, and will help to guide future applications of Lst in disinfection and decontamination of health-related commercial products. PMID: 29728390 [PubMed - ...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research