Cyclic di-GMP signaling regulates sessile-to-motile lifestyle transition and associated physiological and metabolic features in bacteria. The presence of potential cyclic di-GMP turnover proteins in deepest branching bacteria indicates that cyclic di-GMP is an ancient signaling molecule. In this issue of The EMBO Journal, Cai et al (2023) describe light-induced activation of a thiosulfate oxidation pathway in the deep-sea cold-seep bacterium Qipengyuania flava, thus coupling cyclic di-GMP with the regulation of the global abiotic sulfur cycle.
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