Over expression of the RhoGAP domain to assess inhibition of staphylococcus aureus infection : senior honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause serious infections, often leading to sepsis, which can be fatal. By focusing on the infection process of aureus, we hope to characterize the mechanism by which the bacterium is entering the cell. Our hypothesis is that the protein, p85, is integral in the infection process. To investigate the role of a domain of p85, known as the Rho GAP domain, we will overexpress this domain in the host cell and assess its effect on S. aureus infection.