title: Secreted Cyclic Di-GMP Induces Stalk Cell Differentiation in the  Eukaryote Dictyostelium discoideum.
abstract: Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) is currently recognized as the most widely used intracellular signal molecule in prokaryotes, but roles in eukaryotes were only recently discovered. In the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, c-di-GMP, produced by a prokaryote-type diguanylate cyclase, induces the differentiation of stalk cells, thereby enabling the formation of spore-bearing fruiting bodies. In this review, we summarize the currently known mechanisms that control the major life cycle transitions of Dictyostelium and focus particularly on the role of c-di-GMP in stalk formation. Stalk cell differentiation has characteristics of autophagic cell death, a process that also occurs in higher eukaryotes. We discuss the respective roles of c-di-GMP and of another signal molecule, differentiation-inducing factor 1, in autophagic cell death in vitro and in stalk formation in vivo.
authors.forename: Zhi-hui
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schaap
mesh_terms: D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004023:Dictyostelium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D033761:Spores, Protozoan / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: C062025:bis(3',5')-cyclic diguanylic acid; D006152:Cyclic GMP