The Regulation of Sulfur Metabolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
2011

Regulation of Sulfur Metabolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hatzios Stavroula K., Bertozzi Carolyn R.

Primary Institution: University of California, Berkeley

Hypothesis

How does the regulation of sulfur metabolism contribute to the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

Conclusion

The study identifies key regulatory mechanisms of sulfur metabolism in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that may serve as therapeutic targets.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis has evolved to evade the immune system and establish long-term infection.
  • Sulfur-containing metabolites play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • The sulfate assimilation pathway is essential for the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in hostile environments.
  • Regulatory proteins influence the transcription of sulfur metabolism genes in response to environmental cues.

Takeaway

This study looks at how a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses sulfur to survive and cause disease, and suggests ways to stop it.

Methodology

The study reviews transcriptional and biochemical mechanisms of sulfur metabolism regulation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.ppat.1002036

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