Host-like temperature unlocks glucose uptake and metabolism in pathogenic Leptospira.

Pathogenic Leptospira increases glucose uptake and metabolism specifically at host-like 37°C, challenging previous assumptions of limited glucose utilization.

• Why it matters: Understanding how Leptospira adapts metabolically to host environments is crucial for comprehending its pathogenicity and transmission, as its metabolic capabilities under different conditions remain poorly characterized.
• What they did: The study used transcriptome-integrated genome-scale metabolic modeling, multi-omics analyses, and experimental validation on cultures at 29-30°C and 37°C, including in vivo-like conditions, to assess temperature-dependent metabolic states.
• The result: Findings show Leptospira exhibits enhanced glucose transport, phosphorylation, and metabolism at 37°C, enabling glucose-dependent growth, which refines the traditional view of its carbon metabolism and suggests new avenues for studying infection processes.