Target of RNAIII-activating protein (TRAP) (TRAP)

Target of RNAIII-activating protein (TRAP) is a 21 kDa membrane-associated protein in Staphylococcus aureus that has been identified as a master regulator of the bacteria's quorum-sensing and virulence pathways (Korem et al., 2003, PubMed: 12867450). According to the RAP/TRAP model, TRAP is phosphorylated in the presence of the RNAIII-activating protein (RAP), an autoinducer secreted by the bacteria as population density increases (Balaban et al., 2001, PubMed: 11158668). This phosphorylation event is described as a prerequisite for the activation of the accessory gene regulator (agr) system, which controls the expression of RNAIII and subsequent virulence factors like alpha-toxin (Gov et al., 2001, PubMed: 11274107). While the RAP/TRAP signaling model has been a subject of scientific debate regarding its integration with the canonical agr system, TRAP remains a significant target for anti-virulence drug development (Balaban et al., 2003, PubMed: 12654481). Therapeutic agents like the RNAIII-inhibiting peptide (RIP) work by competitively inhibiting the phosphorylation of TRAP, thereby suppressing toxin production (Yang et al., 2006, PubMed: 16410547). This approach aims to treat multidrug-resistant S. aureus infections by disarming the pathogen's virulence machinery rather than killing the bacteria directly.

Other names

TRAPRNAIII-activating protein targetTraP proteinStaphylococcal TRAP

Inhibition of TRAP phosphorylation to prevent activation of the accessory gene regulator (agr) system and subsequent virulence factor production.