Structural characterization of the virulence factor nuclease A from Streptococcus agalactiae
Nuclease A (NucA) is an extracellular nuclease secreted from S. agalactiae and is required for full virulence during infection. Crystal structures and biochemical characterization of NucA mutants reveal possible roles for surface residues in DNA substrate binding and catalysis. These results may serve as a foundation for the design of targeted antibacterial therapeutic compounds.