Type II fatty acid synthesis is essential for the replication of Chlamydia trachomatis

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis has a phospholipid composition that resembles its eukaryotic host, but it contains branched-chain fatty acids of chlamydial origin. Results: The inhibition of the enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) in chlamydial fatty acid synthesis blocks C. trachomatis replication. Conclusion: Bacterial FASII is required for C. trachomatis proliferation. Significance: FabI is a therapeutic target against C. trachomatis. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.