Staphylococcus aureus Extracellular Vesicles Carry Biologically Active β-Lactamase

• DOI: 10.1128/aac.00522-12
• Publication Date: 2013-03-26T00:15:56Z
• Authors: Jaewook Lee; Eun-Young Lee; Si-Hyun Kim; Dae-Kyum Kim; Kyong-Su Park; Kwang Pyo Kim; Yoon-Keun Kim; Tae-Young Roh; Yong Song Gho
• Keywords: Extracellular vesicles

Gram-positive bacteria naturally produce extracellular vesicles. However, little is known regarding the functions of bacterial vesicles, especially in community. Here, we investigated role Staphylococcus aureus vesicles interbacterial communication to cope with antibiotic stress. We found that S. liberated BlaZ, a β-lactamase protein, via These enabled other ampicillin-susceptible Gram-negative and survive presence ampicillin. did not mediate survival tetracycline-, chloramphenicol-, or kanamycin-susceptible bacteria. Moreover, contain blaZ gene. In addition, heat-treated The activities soluble vesicle-associated BlaZ were similar, but only was resistant protease digestion, which suggests enzymatic activity largely protected by vesicle structure. Our observations provide evidence important resistance, allows polymicrobial community continue evolve prosper against antibiotics.