Siderophore-Mediated Iron Acquisition Plays a Critical Role in Biofilm Formation and Survival of Within the Host.

Iron acquisition through siderophores, a class of small, potent iron-chelating organic molecules, is a widely spread strategy among pathogens to survive in the iron-restricted environment found in the host. Although these molecules have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several species, there is currently no comprehensive study addressing siderophore production in . is an innocuous skin commensal bacterium. The species, though, has emerged as a leading cause of implant-associated infections, significantly supported by an inherent ability to form biofilms. The process of adaptation from skin niche environments to the hostile conditions during invasion is yet not fully understood. Herein, we addressed the possible role of siderophore production in virulence. We first identified and deleted a siderophore homolog locus, , and provided evidence for its involvement in iron acquisition. Our findings further suggested the involvement of siderophores in the protection against oxidative stress-induced damage and demonstrated the relevance of a siderophore-mediated iron acquisition during infections. Conclusively, this study addressed, for the first time in this species, the underlying mechanisms of siderophore production, highlighting the importance of a siderophore-mediated iron acquisition under host relevant conditions and, most importantly, its contribution to survival within the host.