Gain-of-function study reveals the pleiotropic roles of serine protease HtrA in Borrelia burgdorferi.

A recent study published in Genomics & Genetics Weekly explores the role of the serine protease HtrA in Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The study found that HtrA is a key virulence determinant for B. burgdorferi, as a mutant strain lacking HtrA was unable to establish infection in mice. The researchers identified the native promoter of HtrA and discovered that its expression is regulated by two sigma factors, RpoD and RpoS. The study also revealed that the absence of HtrA led to growth defects, cell death, and downregulation of key chemotaxis proteins in B. burgdorferi. Overall, the findings suggest that HtrA plays a critical role in regulating motility, stress response, and virulence gene expression in B. burgdorferi. However, it is important to note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]