The second messenger signaling molecule cyclic di-AMP drives developmental cycle progression in <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i>.

ABSTRACT: The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia alternates between two functional forms during its developmental cycle: elementary body (EB) and reticulate body (RB). However, the molecular mechanisms governing the transitions between these forms are unknown. Here, we present evidence that cyclic di-AMP (c-di-AMP) is a key factor in triggering the transition from RB to EB (i.e., secondary differentiation) in the chlamydial developmental cycle. By overexpressing or knocking down expression of c-di-AMP synthase genes, we made strains producing different levels of c-di-AMP, which we linked to changes in secondary differentiation status. Increases in c-di-AMP resulted in an earlier increase in transcription of EB-associated genes, and this was further manifested in earlier production of

SUBMITTER: Lee J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12422730 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature