Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3802c Encodes a Phospholipase/Thioesterase and Is Inhibited by the Antimycobacterial Agent Tetrahydrolipstatin
2009

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3802c and Its Role in Mycolic Acid Synthesis

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sarah K. Parker, Robert M. Barkley, John G. Rino, Michael L. Vasil

Primary Institution: University of Colorado Denver

Hypothesis

The study investigates the role of Rv3802c in mycolic acid synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that Rv3802c is involved in mycolic acid synthesis and is inhibited by the compound tetrahydrolipstatin.

Supporting Evidence

  • Rv3802c is essential for mycolic acid synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • THL inhibits Rv3802c at nanomolar concentrations.
  • Rv3802c has both phospholipase A and thioesterase activities.

Takeaway

This study looks at a protein in tuberculosis bacteria that helps make a part of its cell wall, and a drug that can stop it from working.

Methodology

The researchers expressed and purified the Rv3802 protein in E. coli, then tested its enzymatic activities and inhibition by tetrahydrolipstatin.

Limitations

The evidence for Rv3802's role in mycolic acid synthesis is circumstantial and requires further direct investigation.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004281

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