This study identifies Pkn1 kinase as a critical regulator of cell division in Chlamydia trachomatis by showing its localization at the division septum and its interaction with MreB.

bioRxiv · Sep 24, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology

Characterization of the Cell Division-Associated Peptidoglycan Amidase AmiA of Chlamydia trachomatis

Julia Dannenberg, Junghoon Lee, George W. Liechti, Christian F. Otten, Iris Löckener, Jula Reuter, Anna Klöckner, Sebastian Krannich, Tanja Schneider, Scot P. Ouellette, Beate Henrichfreise

This study characterizes AmiA_Ct, a peptidoglycan amidase in Chlamydia trachomatis, showing its role in degrading peptidoglycan during cell division and supporting normal growth and development.

Journal of Bacteriology · Mar 11, 2026Peer-reviewedMicrobiology

Chlamydia iron starvation links nutritional immunity to pathogen recognition

Monisha R. Alla, Nick D. Pokorzynski, Junghoon Lee, Scot P. Ouellette, Rey A. Carabeo

This study shows that iron starvation of Chlamydia trachomatis increases host recognition of the pathogen by dysregulating a peptidoglycan enzyme, leading to inflammation and cell death.

bioRxiv · Aug 8, 2025 · PreprintMicrobiology

FtsK is Critical for the Assembly of the Unique Divisome Complex of the FtsZ-less Chlamydia trachomatis

McKenna Harpring, Junghoon Lee, Guangming Zhong, Scot P. Ouellette, John V. Cox

This study shows that FtsK is essential for divisome assembly and septal peptidoglan synthesis in FtsZ-less Chlamydia trachomatis.

eLife · Apr 7, 2025Peer-reviewedMicrobiology

The second messenger signaling molecule cyclic di-AMP drives developmental cycle progression in Chlamydia trachomatis

Junghoon Lee, Scot P. Ouellette

This study identifies c-di-AMP as a key factor triggering secondary differentiation in Chlamydia trachomatis by linking its levels to changes in EB production and gene transcription.

eLife · Jan 28, 2025Peer-reviewedMicrobiology