Calcium-Stabilized Handshake Between S. aureus and Skin (IMAGE)

Auburn University Department of Physics

Calcium-Stabilized Handshake Between S. aureus and Skin

Caption

Illustration of the molecular handshake driving Staphylococcus aureus adhesion to human skin. The bacterial adhesin SdrD (purple) binds tightly to the host receptor desmoglein-1 (DSG-1, orange) on keratinocytes, with calcium ions (Ca²⁺) stabilizing the interaction. This calcium-dependent bond enables S. aureus to attach strongly to the skin surface, providing a molecular explanation for the bacterium’s ability to resist mechanical forces and establish infection.

Credit

Department of Physics - Auburn University

Usage Restrictions

Credit must be given to the creator.

License

CC BY

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.