Formation of regular packets of Staphylococcus aureus cells

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus, which usually forms grape-like clusters, has the ability to form regularly arranged cell packets. These regular cell packets are formed when the activity of its separation enzyme(s) is lost either by treatment with detergents, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate or Trition X-100, or by mutation of the cells. These cell packets consisted of 8 to 64 spherical cells that have a three-dimensional arrangement. Some irregularity in the arragement of cells in packets, however, can be observed by scanning electron microscopy. It is concluded that S. aureus fundametally divides along three definitely oriented planes that are located at right angles to each other. After cell division, the cells usually become translocated due to the action of a separation enzyme(s) to form grape-like clusters.

Evidence for a dual role of PBP1 in the cell division and cell separation of Staphylococcus aureus

“…Because of the particular mode of cell wall synthesis and cell division in staphylococci, which divide in three alternating perpendicular planes (Koyama et al, 1977;Tzagoloff and Novick, 1977), separation of daughter cells appears to be essential for continued cell divisions and growth (Giesbrecht et al, 1998;Kajimura et al, 2005). During cell division, cells double their mass while cell wall is synthesized at the septum (Pinho and Errington, 2003).…”

The different shapes of cocci

“…However, under the light microscope, Staphylococcus aureus appears as clusters of cells without an obvious geometric arrangement. This is probably due to the activity of lytic enzymes responsible for the splitting of the division septum that seem to cause a postfissional movement of the cells, leading to the formation of irregular clusters (Koyama et al, 1977). Despite the fact that these observations were made three decades ago, the mechanism that determines the precise placement of the septum in alternating perpendicular planes is far from understood.…”

Absence of nucleoid occlusion effector Noc impairs formation of orthogonal FtsZ rings during Staphylococcus aureus cell division

“…The problem becomes more complex in cocci, which have an infinite number of theoretical division planes (all circles with maximum diameter within the cell) that can generate two identical daughter cells. Staphylococcus aureus, an important clinical pathogen, divides by switching the division plane in three consecutive perpendicular orientations in successive division cycles (Koyama et al, 1977;Tzagoloff and Novick, 1977) (Fig. S1), akin to the initial series of division planes in a fertilized egg.…”