The Staphylococcus aureus secretome

Promotie: dhr. M.J.J.B. Sibbald, 13.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Proefschrift: The Staphylococcus aureus secretome
Promotor(s): prof.dr. J.M. van Dijl
Faculteit: Medische Wetenschappen
Contact: via de persvoorlichters van het UMCG, tel. 050-361 2200, e-mail: voorlichting bvl.umcg.nl

The Staphylococcus aureus secretome

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous pathogen that frequently causes problems in health care settings due to its high potential to develop resistance against antibiotics. The ability of S. aureus to cause disease is based on the production of a high number of proteins known as virulence factors, which allow the bacterium to survive and thrive in the human body. During my PhD research, I have identified six different protein transport systems that can be used by S. aureus for the export of virulence factors. In addition, I have investigated which proteins contain specific transport signals pinpointing them as potential virulence factors. In total, about 160 proteins with transport signals were identified. The obtained results can possibly be used for the development of new approaches to detect and combat dangerous strains of S. aureus.