Pleiotropic Compensation in the Regulation of Extracellular Protein Formation by a Low -Toxin-producing Variant of Staphylococcus aureus (Wood 46)

Abstract

The changes in bacterial density, total extracellular protein and hemolysin produced by bacteria from overnight cultures of S. aureus (Wood 46) and a low .alpha.-toxin-producing variant suspended in fresh medium were followed at 37.degree. C. Although 5 extracellular proteins were produced at a reduced level by the variant (.alpha.-toxin formation was reduced > 10-fold), the differential rates of total extracellular protein formation by the 2 organisms were identical. The results are consistent with a common regulatory mechanism for extracellular protein formation in which a pleiotropic compensation may occur in order to saturate the extracellular protein-producing capability.