Using a chemical genetics approach, researchers identified the compound M21, which inhibits the expression of multiple virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus via inhibition of the bacterial enzyme ClpP, a major virulence regulator; S. aureus -infected mice treated with M21 had fewer bacteria and abscesses in their kidneys and greater survival than untreated mice, suggesting a potential alternative to antibiotics for treating drug-resistant S. aureus infection.
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Article #17-20520: "Suppression of Staphylococcus aureus virulence by a small-molecule compound," by Peng Gao et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Richard Yi Tsun Kao, University of Hong Kong, HONG KONG; tel: +852-39179707; e-mail: < rytkao@hku.hk >
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences