Publications by authors named "Lisa E Myers"
We used two different infection models to investigate the kinetics of the PcpA-dependent pneumococcal disease in mice. In a bacteremic pneumonia model, we observed a PcpA-dependent increase in bacterial burden in the lungs, blood, liver, bronchoalveolar lavage, and spleens of mice at 24 h postinfection. This PcpA-dependent effect on bacterial burden appeared earlier (within 12 h) in the focal pneumonia model, which lacks bacteremia or sepsis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe concentration of Mn2+ is 1,000-fold higher in secretions than it is at internal sites of the body, making it a potential signal by which bacteria can sense a shift from a mucosal environment to a more invasive site. PsaR, a metal-dependent regulator in Streptococcus pneumoniae, was found to negatively affect the transcription of psaBCA, pcpA, rrgA, rrgB, rrgC, srtBCD, and rlrA in the presence of Mn2+. psaBCA encode an ABC-type transporter for Mn2+.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- PsaA of *Streptococcus pneumoniae* is a lipoprotein involved in manganese (Mn2+) transport rather than serving as an adhesin, contradicting its initial classification.
- Mutations in the psaA gene lead to decreased growth, infection capability, and resistance to oxidative stress, influencing adherence indirectly by disrupting Mn2+ transport.
- The presence of Mn2+ alleviates oxidative stress effects caused by iron, highlighting Mn2+'s importance in managing growth and competing against harmful superoxides.