Multiple cellular processes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis persister populations

Multiple cellular processes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis persister populations refers to the collective metabolic and physiological pathways utilized by M. tuberculosis to survive in a non-replicating, drug-tolerant state within the host (Zhang et al., 2012, PubMed). These persisters are phenotypic variants that exhibit reduced metabolic activity, allowing them to evade the action of conventional antibiotics that typically target active growth processes like cell wall synthesis or DNA replication (Rao et al., 2008, Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy). Targeting these processes is critical for shortening tuberculosis treatment duration and eradicating latent infections that otherwise lead to disease reactivation. Key pathways involved include the glyoxylate shunt, toxin-antitoxin systems, and specialized energy metabolism adaptations that maintain membrane potential. Drugs such as pyrazinamide and bedaquiline are notable for their efficacy against these sub-populations, either by acidifying the cytoplasm or inhibiting ATP synthesis even in low-respiring states (Gengenbacher & Kaufmann, 2012, Nature Reviews Microbiology).

Other names

Mycobacterium tuberculosis persistersNon-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosisDormant Mycobacterium tuberculosisMtb persistence pathwaysPhenotypic drug tolerance in Mtb

Drugs targeting persister populations typically act by disrupting energy metabolism (e.g., ATP synthase inhibition), damaging cell wall integrity in non-replicating states, or inducing lethal oxidative stress within the dormant bacilli (Gengenbacher & Kaufmann, 2012, Nature Reviews Microbiology).