Work

C. trachomatis modulates host lipid metabolism through METTL14–m6A–PPARα axis for reproduction

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium with a significant impact on human health. To establish a successful infection, C. trachomatis needs to modulate and exploit host metabolic pathways to acquire essential nutrients such as nucleotides, amino acids and lipids. This study highlights the key mechanisms of lipid scavenging and their critical role in C. trachomatis infection, demonstrating that C. trachomatis induces lipophagy to regulate lipid metabolism and support its intracellular reproduction through METTL14-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m 6 A) modification of PPARα mRNA. These findings shed light on the pivotal regulatory function of the METTL14-m 6 A-PPARα axis in the intricate interplay between C. trachomatis infection and lipid metabolism reprogramming.

Source: Communications Biology

DOI: 10.1038/s42003-026-10819-3

Authors: Wenbo Lei, Qiulin Huang, Yating Wen, Yewei Yang, Hongrong Wu, Zhongyu Li

Institutions: First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, University of South China

Language: English

Topic: RNA modifications and cancer

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,190