Impact of bacteriocin production on cellular metabolism of Staphylococcus aureus

Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) encoding the production of bacteriocins are widespread amongst bacterial isolates and are important genetic determinants of competitive fitness. Staphylococci produce a tremendous diversity of compounds and the corresponding gene clusters (Staphylococcal Antibiosis Islands - SAbIs) are frequently associated with mobile genetic elements, suggesting acquisition and loss of biosynthetic capacity. Pharmaceutical biology has shown that transfer of BGCs between bacterial species is frequently challenging and production by the heterologous hosts often depends on optimal precursor supplies. It is unknown if transfer of SAbIs has similar effects. We modelled SAbItransfer between closely related S. aureus strains based on the SAbI encoding the ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) Micrococcin P1 (MP1). Our results indicate that acquisition of SAbIs can represent a mixed blessing for the recipient strain and its genetic and metabolic predispositions are of crucial importance to integrate bacteriocin production into the cellular metabolism.