Characterization of MroQ-Dependent Maturation and Export of the Staphylococcus aureus Accessory Gene Regulatory System Autoinducing Peptide.

Gram-positive bacteria produce small autoinducing peptides (AIPs), which act to regulate expression of genes that promote adaptive traits, including virulence. The Gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus generates a cyclic AIP that controls expression of virulence factors via the accessory gene regulatory (Agr) system. S.