The Cling of Doom: How Staphylococcus aureus Latches onto Human Skin
Summary: A new study reported by EurekAlert! shows that the staph adhesin SdrD binds to human desmoglein-1 with the strongest non-covalent protein-protein bond measured to date; calcium further strengthens this interaction, offering a fresh anti-adhesion target to help combat resistant infections.
Key Highlights:
- SdrD–desmoglein-1 forms an ultra-strong biological bond that helps staph resist washing, sweating, and mechanical forces.
- Calcium is a key regulator: lowering Ca²⁺ weakens the bond; restoring Ca²⁺ reinforces it.
- Findings suggest anti-adhesion strategies (blocking SdrD/Dsg1) as a complementary path to antibiotics.
Read the news release on EurekAlert!
Keywords:
Staphylococcus aureus,
desmoglein-1,
SdrD,
skin adhesion,
antibiotic resistance