Small but mighty: investigate how c-di-AMP contributes to osmotic regulation, amino acid metabolism, respiration and beta-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen that can cause severe and sometimes lethal infections. Infections are becoming more and more difficult to treat due to the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains. S. aureus is a hardy organism that can grow under harsh conditions outside and inside the host. For this, the bacterium must sense and adapt rapidly to changes in the environment. Small nucleotide molecules, so-called signalling nucleotides, are the key components that allow S. aureus to rapidly adapt.

We will study the function of one signalling nucleotide, c-di-AMP. Previously, we have shown that c-di-AMP is important for the growth of S. aureus and its resistance to antibiotics. As part of this work, we will investigate why c-di-AMP is required for bacterial growth and how this molecule contributes to antibiotic resistance in S. aureus.

Our findings will advance our knowledge of the mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance.