Isolation of a Siderophore Produced by Methicillin-Resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> Strain H372.

<p>Iron is necessary for many cellular processes such as the electron transport chain and gene regulation. However, most iron on earth is found in insoluble iron-hydroxide complexes. In addition, iron is tightly sequestered in the human body by proteins such as transferrin, making it unavailable for pathogens. In order to overcome these limitations bacteria have evolved siderophores. Siderophores are low molecular weight compounds that bind ferric iron with a high affinity. <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> is an important human pathogen that is known to produce at least four siderophores, and these siderophores contribute to its virulence. <em>S. aureus</em> strain H372 was found to produce a siderophore that was a carboxylate type, hydrophilic, and contained ornithine. These properties were similar to the known siderophore staphyloferrin A. However, the probable molecular weight was 658, which is different from known staphylococcal siderophores.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Presswood, Rachel Elizabeth

• staphylococci
• iron
• siderophore
• MRSA
• Bacteriology
• Life Sciences
• Microbiology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1728

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3083