Phase-variable expression of pdcB, a phosphodiesterase, influences sporulation in Clostridioides difficile.

ABSTRACT: Clostridioides difficile is the causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and is the leading cause of nosocomial infection in developed countries. An increasing number of C. difficile infections are attributed to epidemic strains that produce more toxins and spores. C. difficile spores are the major factor for the transmission and persistence of the organism. Previous studies have identified global regulators that influence sporulation in C. difficile. This study discovers that PdcB, a phosphodiesterase, enhances sporulation in C. difficile strain UK1. Through genetic and biochemical assays, we show that phase-variable expression of pdcB results in hypo- and hyper-sporulation phenotypes. In the "ON" orientation, the identified promotor is in the right orientation to drive the expre

SUBMITTER: Dhungel BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8876291 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature