Role for GrgA in Regulation of σ 28 -Dependent Transcription in the Obligate Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis is the number one sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen worldwide. A substantial proportion of C. trachomatis -infected women develop infertility, pelvic inflammatory syndrome, and other serious complications. C. trachomatis is also a leading infectious cause of blindness in underdeveloped countries. The pathogen has a unique developmental cycle that is transcriptionally regulated. The discovery of an expanded role for the Chlamydia- specific transcription factor GrgA helps us understand the progression of the chlamydial developmental cycle.