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Chlamydia trachomatis GlgA is secreted into host cell cytoplasm
1Department of Pathogen Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
Plos One
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis glycogen synthase (GlgA) is secreted into host cells, potentially aiding infection. Its presence in host cytosol suggests a role in pathogenesis, though its exact function remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium.
- Glycogen has been observed both within and outside C. trachomatis.
- The function and localization of C. trachomatis glycogen synthase (GlgA) are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization and potential secretion of C. trachomatis glycogen synthase (GlgA).
- To determine if GlgA influences host cell glycogen stores or subsequent C. trachomatis infection.
- To assess the immunogenicity of GlgA in infected humans.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence microscopy to detect GlgA localization in infected host cells.
- Antibody preabsorption assays to confirm GlgA specificity.
- Expression of GlgA in HeLa cells to assess its effect on glycogen stores.
- Analysis of GlgA immunogenicity in patient samples.
Main Results:
- C. trachomatis GlgA was detected both within the bacterium and secreted into the host cell.
- Secreted GlgA localized to the host cell cytosol, similar to C. trachomatis protease CPAF.
- GlgA presence in host cells increased glycogen stores but did not impact subsequent infection.
- GlgA is immunogenic in women with urogenital C. trachomatis infections.
Conclusions:
- C. trachomatis secretes GlgA into the host cell cytosol, suggesting a role in pathogenesis.
- The precise function of secreted GlgA in C. trachomatis infection requires further investigation.
- GlgA is expressed and secreted during human infections, eliciting an immune response.
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