Cyclic di-GMP is Essential for the Survival of the Lyme Disease Spirochete in Ticks
Author Information
Author(s): He Ming, Ouyang Zhiming, Troxell Bryan, Xu Haijun, Moh Akira, Piesman Joseph, Norgard Michael V., Gomelsky Mark, Yang X. Frank
Primary Institution: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the role of cyclic di-GMP in the life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi?
Conclusion
Cyclic di-GMP is essential for the survival of Borrelia burgdorferi in its tick vector but not required for infection in mammalian hosts.
Supporting Evidence
- The rrp1 mutant was infectious in mice but could not survive in ticks.
- Microarray analyses showed significant downregulation of a four-gene operon involved in glycerol transport in the rrp1 mutant.
- Constitutive expression of the glycerol operon in the rrp1 mutant partially restored its survival in ticks.
Takeaway
This study found that a molecule called cyclic di-GMP helps the Lyme disease bacteria survive in ticks, but it doesn't help them infect mice.
Methodology
The researchers created a mutant strain of Borrelia burgdorferi lacking the diguanylate cyclase gene responsible for cyclic di-GMP synthesis and tested its survival in ticks and mice.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on the role of cyclic di-GMP and did not explore other potential factors affecting survival in ticks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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