Single Amino Acid Replacements in RocA Disrupt Protein-Protein Interactions To Alter the Molecular Pathogenesis of Group A Streptococcus

Abstract

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human-specific pathogen and major cause of disease worldwide. The molecular pathogenesis of GAS, like many pathogens, is dependent on the coordinated expression of genes encoding different virulence factors. The c ontrol o f v irulence r egulator/ s ensor (CovRS) two-component system is a major virulence regulator of GAS that has been extensively studied. More recent investigations have also involved r egulator o f C ov (RocA), a regulatory accessory protein to CovRS.