Staphylococcus aureus Cell Wall Peptidoglycan (Peptidoglycan)

The peptidoglycan of Staphylococcus aureus is a thick, highly cross-linked polymer that forms the major structural component of its cell wall. It provides mechanical strength, maintains cellular integrity, and serves as a scaffold for the attachment of surface proteins and extracellular matrices essential for cell morphogenesis, division, and pathogenesis. It is composed of glycan chains (GlcNAc-MurNAc), pentapeptide stems, and pentaglycine bridges. Peptidoglycan synthesis is targeted by several crucial antibiotics (e.g., β-lactams), which inhibit transpeptidase activity required for cross-linking. Disruption leads to loss of cell wall integrity and bacterial death. Peptidoglycan fragments can also trigger host immune responses.

Other names

S. aureus PeptidoglycanCell Wall Peptidoglycan

Inhibition of transpeptidase activity, leading to disruption of peptidoglycan cross-linking and cell wall integrity.