Genomic, Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Studies of Two Well-Characterized, Laboratory-Derived Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Strains Derived from the Same Parent Strain

Complete genome comparisons, transcriptomic and metabolomic studies were performed on two laboratory-selected, well-characterized vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) derived from the same parent MRSA that have changes in cell wall composition and decreased autolysis. A variety of mutations were found in the VISA, with more in strain 13136p−m+V20 (vancomycin MIC = 16 µg/mL) than strain 13136p−m+V5 (MIC = 8 µg/mL). Most of the mutations have not previously been associated with the VISA phenotype; some were associated with cell wall metabolism and many with stress responses, notably relating to DNA damage. The genomes and transcriptomes of the two VISA support the importance of gene expression regulation to the VISA phenotype. Similarities in overall transcriptomic and metabolomic data indicated that the VISA physiologic state includes elements of the stringent response, such as downregulation of protein and nucleotide synthesis, the pentose phosphate pathway and nutrient transport systems. Gene expression for secreted virulence determinants was generally downregulated, but was more variable for surface-associated virulence determinants, although capsule formation was clearly inhibited. The importance of activated stress response elements could be seen across all three analyses, as in the accumulation of osmoprotectant metabolites such as proline and glutamate. Concentrations of potential cell wall precursor amino acids and glucosamine were increased in the VISA strains. Polyamines were decreased in the VISA, which may facilitate the accrual of mutations. Overall, the studies confirm the wide variability in mutations and gene expression patterns that can lead to the VISA phenotype

Mitochondrial cAMP and Ca(2+) metabolism in adrenocortical cells.

The biological effects of physiological stimuli of adrenocortical glomerulosa cells are predominantly mediated by the Ca(2+) and the cAMP signal transduction pathways. The complex interplay between these signalling systems fine-tunes aldosterone secretion. In addition to the well-known cytosolic interactions, a novel intramitochondrial Ca(2+)-cAMP interplay has been recently recognised. The cytosolic Ca(2+) signal is rapidly transferred into the mitochondrial matrix where it activates Ca(2+)-sensitive dehydrogenases, thus enhancing the formation of NADPH, a cofactor of steroid synthesis. Quite a few cell types, including H295R adrenocortical cells, express the soluble adenylyl cyclase within the mitochondria and the elevation of mitochondrial [Ca(2+)] activates the enzyme, thus resulting in the Ca(2+)-dependent formation of cAMP within the mitochondrial matrix. On the other hand, mitochondrial cAMP (mt-cAMP) potentiates the transfer of cytosolic Ca(2+) into the mitochondrial matrix. This cAMP-mediated positive feedback control of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake may facilitate the rapid hormonal response to emergency situations since knockdown of soluble adenylyl cyclase attenuates aldosterone production whereas overexpression of the enzyme facilitates steroidogenesis in vitro. Moreover, the mitochondrial Ca(2+)-mt-cAMP-Ca(2+) uptake feedback loop is not a unique feature of adrenocortical cells; a similar signalling system has been described in HeLa cells as well