Project Details
Projekt
Molecular characterization of lipid II pathway inhibitor-induced persistence phenotypes in Chlamydia and Wolbachia (A07)
Subject Area
Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology
Term
from 2019 to 2024
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 398967434
The intracellular bacteria Chlamydia and Wolbachia are non-model organisms with highly reduced genomes. Nevertheless, they synthesize the peptidoglycan precursor lipid II and evolved different strategies for cell division. In both endobacteria inhibition of the glycosyltransferase MraY, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of the peptidoglycan precursor lipid II, results in enlarged non-dividing cells, a phenotype also seen during penicillin-induced persistence in Chlamydia. We will elucidate the cellular effects of MraY inhibitors, determine essential processes and components, including off-targets, and define what makes a persistence-breaking antibiotic in intracellular bacteria.
DFG Programme
CRC/Transregios
Applicant Institution
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Project Head
Dr. Beate Henrichfreise
