Metabolism and transport of complex metabolites of mycobacteria

[摘要] \(Mycobacterium\) \(tuberculosis\), the causative agent of the infectious disease Tuberculosis, is one of the most successful human pathogen. The disease remains a global health priority due to the spread of HIV and multidrug resistant strains. Therefore, there is a need to extend the understanding of the physiology and pathogenicity of \(M\). \(tuberculosis\) in order to develop new therapies, antimicrobial drugs and vaccines. \(Mycobacterium\) possesses a unique cell envelope responsible for the reduced susceptibility to antibiotics and pathogenicity due to the high lipid content. It is composed by the plasma membrane, an unusual lipid-rich cell wall and an outermost layer known as the capsule. Moreover, other complex metabolites play a role in \(M.\) \(tuberculosis\) virulence such as inorganic polyphosphate, a polymer involved in stringent response and long term survival. In this study, a transposon mutant library was generated in order to identify new genetic determinants related to cell envelope; furthermore, specific mutants strains were generated to investigate the role of MmpL factors in mycolic acids transport, to test the role of a group of ABC-transporters in capsule biosynthesis and also to assess the function of exopolyphosphatases in survival under stress and nutrient limitation condition.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:School of Biosciences

[关键词] Q Science;QR Microbiology