Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Lipoate Metabolism In Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenesis, Maria Azul Zorzoli
Lipoate Metabolism In Staphylococcus Aureus Pathogenesis, Maria Azul Zorzoli
Master's Theses
Lipoate is an essential cofactor of several proteins involved in cellular energy homeostasis and catabolism. Lipoate metabolism has been linked to pathogenesis in some microbial species, but its role in Staphylococcus aureus infections had not been explored. In this thesis, we tested the hypothesis that lipoate acquisition mechanisms promote S. aureus infectivity. We used a bacterial genetics approach to elucidate the biological function of the S. aureus genes involved in lipoate metabolism. Our findings allowed us to propose a model for lipoic acid de novo biosynthesis and salvage pathways in S. aureus. Moreover, we detail hitherto undescribed genetic arrangements of …