Staphylococcus aureus osmoregulation: roles for choline, glycine betaine, proline, and taurine. 1992

J E Graham, and B J Wilkinson
Department of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal 61761.

Choline, glycine betaine, and L-proline enhanced the growth of Staphylococcus aureus at high osmolarity (i.e., they acted as osmoprotectants) on various liquid and solid defined media, while an osmoprotective effect of taurine was shown only for cells growing on high-NaCl solid medium that lacked other osmoprotectants. Potassium pool levels were high, and there was little difference in levels in cells grown at different osmolarities. Glycine betaine accumulated to high levels in osmotically stressed cells, and choline was converted to glycine betaine. Proline and taurine also accumulated in response to osmotic stress but to lower levels than glycine betaine.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D011188 Potassium An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D011392 Proline A non-essential amino acid that is synthesized from GLUTAMIC ACID. It is an essential component of COLLAGEN and is important for proper functioning of joints and tendons. L-Proline,L Proline
D002794 Choline A basic constituent of lecithin that is found in many plants and animal organs. It is important as a precursor of acetylcholine, as a methyl donor in various metabolic processes, and in lipid metabolism. Bursine,Fagine,Vidine,2-Hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium,Choline Bitartrate,Choline Chloride,Choline Citrate,Choline Hydroxide,Choline O-Sulfate,Bitartrate, Choline,Chloride, Choline,Choline O Sulfate,Citrate, Choline,Hydroxide, Choline,O-Sulfate, Choline
D000596 Amino Acids Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-NH2) and a carboxyl (-COOH) group. Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerized to form proteins. Amino Acid,Acid, Amino,Acids, Amino
D001622 Betaine A naturally occurring compound that has been of interest for its role in osmoregulation. As a drug, betaine hydrochloride has been used as a source of hydrochloric acid in the treatment of hypochlorhydria. Betaine has also been used in the treatment of liver disorders, for hyperkalemia, for homocystinuria, and for gastrointestinal disturbances. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1341) Lycine,Oxyneurine,Acidin-Pepsin,Betaine Hydrochloride,C.B.B.,Citrate de Bétaïne Beaufour,Citrate de Bétaïne UPSA,Cystadane,Glycine Betaine,Hepastyl,Novobetaine,Scorbo-bétaïne,Stea-16,Acidin Pepsin,AcidinPepsin,Betaine, Glycine,Hydrochloride, Betaine,Scorbo bétaïne,Scorbobétaïne,Stea 16,Stea16
D013211 Staphylococcus aureus Potentially pathogenic bacteria found in nasal membranes, skin, hair follicles, and perineum of warm-blooded animals. They may cause a wide range of infections and intoxications.
D013654 Taurine A conditionally essential nutrient, important during mammalian development. It is present in milk but is isolated mostly from ox bile and strongly conjugates bile acids. Taufon,Tauphon,Taurine Hydrochloride,Taurine Zinc Salt (2:1),Taurine, Monopotassium Salt
D014882 Water-Electrolyte Balance The balance of fluid in the BODY FLUID COMPARTMENTS; total BODY WATER; BLOOD VOLUME; EXTRACELLULAR SPACE; INTRACELLULAR SPACE, maintained by processes in the body that regulate the intake and excretion of WATER and ELECTROLYTES, particularly SODIUM and POTASSIUM. Fluid Balance,Electrolyte Balance,Balance, Electrolyte,Balance, Fluid,Balance, Water-Electrolyte,Water Electrolyte Balance

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