A HOMOLOG TO THE ESCHERICHIA-COLI ALKYL HYDROPEROXIDE REDUCTASE AHPC IS INDUCED BY OSMOTIC UPSHOCK IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS

Four major proteins are induced in Staphylococcus aureus in response t o hyperosmotic shock caused by the presence of two different osmolytes , sucrose and NaCl. The gene encoding one of these proteins was isolat ed using a novel PCR procedure. The derived protein sequence shows ext ensive similarity to a subunit of alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (AhpC) from both Escherichia coil and Salmonella typhimurium. Exposure of S. aureus to varying concentrations of H2O2 did not result in the detect able induction of AhpC.