Speaker: Rebecca Corrigan

Nucleotide signalling molecules contribute to the regulation of cellular pathways in all forms of life. In recent years, the discovery of new signalling molecules, as well as a renewed appreciation for previously identified alarmones, has brought insights into the central metabolic processes that are controlled by these molecules. Our recent work has used both biochemical methods and the development of a genome-wide screen to identify receptor proteins for two such nucleotides, c-di-AMP and ppGpp. Here, I will provide an overview of the synthesis and regulation of the enzymes involved in synthesising these nucleotides in the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. I will also discuss newly identified receptor proteins and the cellular pathways that are controlled by these small nucleotides, which include ion transport, ribosomal maturation, growth and tolerance to antimicrobials.