Mycobacterial cell membrane

The mycobacterial cell membrane is a vital component of the complex cell envelope that distinguishes the genus Mycobacterium, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It consists of a standard inner plasma membrane and a unique, highly impermeable outer membrane known as the mycomembrane, which is characterized by a high concentration of long-chain mycolic acids (Source [9]). This membrane system is essential for maintaining the bacterial proton motive force, managing nutrient and waste transport, and providing a defensive barrier against host immune responses and antibiotic penetration (Source [1, 2, 9]). Drugs targeting the mycobacterial cell membrane function, most notably the first-line antibiotic pyrazinamide, work by dissipating the transmembrane pH gradient or disrupting the proton motive force, particularly in the acidic environments of host macrophages (Source [10, 11]). Other therapeutic agents target specific membrane-bound proteins, such as the MmpL3 transporter (inhibited by SQ109) and ATP synthase (inhibited by bedaquiline), to lethal effect by disrupting structural integrity or energy production (Source [1, 2, 5]). Because of its unique lipid composition, the mycobacterial membrane offers significant opportunities for the development of selective anti-tubercular agents that can eradicate both actively dividing and non-replicating persister bacilli (Source [2, 6]).

Other names

Mycobacterial membraneMycomembraneMycobacterial cell envelopeMycobacterial plasma membraneMycobacterial cell membrane function

Disruption of the transmembrane pH gradient and proton motive force, inhibition of membrane-bound transporters such as MmpL3, and interference with membrane-associated energy production like ATP synthesis (Source [1, 2, 10]).