Golden staph: discovery of a new enzyme impacting its virulence

In an article published in the journal RNA, scientists reveal the existence of a new enzyme. This protein, modifying a ribosomal RNA located in one of the essential areas for protein synthesis, is required for the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus, better known as golden staph, a major human pathogen.


In an article published in the journal RNA, scientists unveil the existence of a new enzyme conserved in several Gram-positive bacteria (named for their positive reaction to Gram staining due to their wall characteristics). This enzyme, a methylase, specifically modifies a single nucleotide of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) by adding a methyl group. This modification, which occurs during ribosome biogenesis, impacts the complex molecular machinery orchestrating protein synthesis. Positioned in the ribosome's corridor through which transfer RNAs (tRNAs) pass to provide the essential amino acids for protein construction, this modification occupies a strategic position.

A multidisciplinary approach including the use of artificial intelligence

This new modification enzyme was discovered through a multidisciplinary approach including genetic analyses, the use of artificial intelligence, and meticulous verification of RNA modifications. Surprisingly, this discovery revealed that the enzyme has a significant impact on specific virulence traits in golden staph or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a major human pathogen, highlighting a complex interaction between rRNA modifications, the translation process, and the mechanisms of virulence factor synthesis.

New avenues for the development of targeted therapies against bacterial infections

This study sheds light on the evolution of the roles of specific rRNA modification enzymes, which extend to adaptive responses during stress situations, environmental changes, and infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, thus forming an intriguing area ready to be explored. These discoveries emphasize the need to continue exploring the complex links between RNA modifications, the cellular machinery, and the responses of pathogenic bacteria to the various conditions they face. A better understanding of these mechanisms could open new avenues for the development of targeted therapies against bacterial infections, thus offering exciting perspectives for future research in the field of microbiology.

Reference:
Bahena-Ceron R, Teixeira C, Ponce JRJ, Wolff P, Couzon F, François P, Klaholz BP, Vandenesch F, Romby P, Moreau K, Marzi S. RlmQ: a newly discovered rRNA modification enzyme bridging RNA modification and virulence traits in Staphylococcus aureus. RNA. 2024 Feb 16;30(3):200-212. doi: 10.1261/rna.079850.123.