P2X7 receptor: Death or life?

The P2X7 plasma membrane receptor is an intriguing molecule that is endowed with the ability to kill cells, as well as to activate many responses and even stimulate proliferation. Here, the authors give an overview on the multiplicity and complexity of P2X7-mediated responses, discussing recent information on this receptor. Particular attention has been paid to early and late signs of apoptosis and necrosis linked to activation of the receptor and to the emerging field of P2X7 function in carcinogenesis

Demonstration of the role of cell wall homeostasis in <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> growth and the action of bactericidal antibiotics

Significance The bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan is essential for maintenance of viability and yet is dynamic, permitting growth and division. Peptidoglycan synthesis is inhibited by important antibiotics, including β-lactams and vancomycin. Using the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus , we have examined peptidoglycan homeostatic mechanisms and how their interruption leads to cell death. This has revealed two antibiotic-induced killing mechanisms mediated by specific peptidoglycan hydrolases, both involving the appearance of holes that span the entire thickness of the cell wall. One of the mechanisms is associated with growth and the other with cell division. This study supports a simple model for how cells grow via a combination of peptidoglycan synthesis and hydrolysis and how antibiotic intervention leads to cell death. </jats:p

Demonstration of the role of cell wall homeostasis in Staphylococcus aureus growth and the action of bactericidal antibiotics: Figure 1

Dataset used to create Figure 1 in paper accepted for publication in PNAS: 'Demonstration of the role of cell wall homeostasis in Staphylococcus aureus growth and the action of bactericidal antibiotics'.</p

Demonstration of the role of cell wall homeostasis in Staphylococcus aureus growth and the action of bactericidal antibiotics: Figure 3

Dataset used to create Figure 3 in paper accepted for publication in PNAS: 'Demonstration of the role of cell wall homeostasis in Staphylococcus aureus growth and the action of bactericidal antibiotics'.</p

Demonstration of the role of cell wall homeostasis in Staphylococcus aureus growth and the action of bactericidal antibiotics: Figure 4

Dataset used to create Figure 4 in paper accepted for publication in PNAS: 'Demonstration of the role of cell wall homeostasis in Staphylococcus aureus growth and the action of bactericidal antibiotics'. </p