Overview

• The Science Advances paper reports that Staphylococcus aureus uses the adhesin SdrD to bind the human skin protein desmoglein‑1 with the strongest non‑covalent protein–protein force measured.
• Experiments showed the bond weakens when calcium is reduced and strengthens when calcium is restored, identifying calcium as a key regulator of this interaction.
• Single‑molecule atomic force microscopy in Europe and atom‑by‑atom simulations at Auburn University independently converged on the same ultra‑strong binding mechanism.
• The calcium dependence offers a mechanistic clue for stubborn infections on compromised skin, including conditions like eczema that disrupt skin homeostasis.
• Authors propose therapies that block or weaken adhesion to help the immune system clear bacteria and reduce resistance pressure, though no clinical interventions are reported.