Mycobacterial membrane and energy metabolism processes

Mycobacterial membrane and energy metabolism processes encompass a suite of essential pathways required for the survival and replication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Cook et al., 2017, Annual Review of Microbiology). These processes include the electron transport chain (ETC), oxidative phosphorylation, and the transport of cell wall components across the mycobacterial membrane (Bald et al., 2017, Frontiers in Microbiology). Key molecular targets within this category include ATP synthase, the cytochrome bc1-aa3 complex (QcrB), and the membrane transporter MmpL3 (Pethe et al., 2013, Nature Medicine). Drugs like bedaquiline target ATP synthase to deplete cellular energy, while newer agents like telacebec inhibit the respiratory chain (FDA, 2012; de Jager et al., 2020, New England Journal of Medicine). These pathways are particularly critical because they are often essential even in non-replicating or dormant states of the bacteria, making them ideal for shortening tuberculosis treatment duration (Rao et al., 2008, PNAS). Disruption of the proton motive force or specific enzymatic activities leads to bacterial cell death. However, this term describes a broad physiological system rather than a single protein or receptor.

Other names

Mycobacterial energy metabolismMycobacterial respiratory chainMycobacterial cell envelope biogenesis

Inhibition of ATP synthase, inhibition of the cytochrome bc1-aa3 complex, and disruption of mycobacterial membrane transporters.