The second messenger c-di-GMP is a key regulator of bacterial physiology. The V. vulnificus genome encodes nearly 100 proteins predicted to make, break, and bind c-di-GMP. However, relatively little is known regarding the environmental signals that regulate c-di-GMP levels and biofilm formation in V. vulnificus. Here, we identify calcium as a primary environmental signal that specifically increases intracellular c-di-GMP concentrations, which in turn triggers brp-mediated biofilm formation. We show that PAPS, a metabolic intermediate of the sulfate assimilation pathway, acts as a second messenger linking environmental calcium and sulfur source availability to the production of another intracellular second messenger (c-di-GMP) to regulate biofilm and rugose colony formation, developmental pathways that are associated with environmental persistence and efficient bivalve colonization by this potent human pathogen.
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