The stringent response is characterised by the synthesis of the messenger molecule (p)ppGpp, which interferes with many cellular processes, including transcription, replication and translation. The phenotypic consequences resulting from (p)ppGpp accumulation vary among species and can be mediated by different underlying mechanisms. We elucidated major players and mechanisms of the stringent response in Staphylococcus aureus. In S. aureus the stringent response plays important roles in virulence, phagosomal escape and antibiotic tolerance.

We aim to unravel the molecular mechanisms and functional consequences of (p)ppGpp-dependent gene activation.