Stp1 Loss of Function Promotes ß-Lactam Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus That Is Independent of Classical Genes.

ABSTRACT

ß-Lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus limits treatment options. Stp1 and Stk1, a serine-threonine phosphatase and kinase, respectively, mediate serine-threonine kinase (STK) signaling. Loss-of-function point mutations in stp1 were detected among laboratory-passaged ß-lactam-resistant S. aureus strains lacking mecA and blaZ, the major determinants of ß-lactam resistance in the bacteria. Loss of Stp1 function facilitates ß-lactam resistance of the bacteria.