Mycobacterial membrane energetics and transport processes

Mycobacterial membrane energetics and transport processes represent a critical physiological system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) responsible for maintaining the cell's energized state and regulating the movement of essential molecules (IntechOpen, 2022). This system encompasses the oxidative phosphorylation machinery, including ATP synthase and the respiratory chain complexes (e.g., cytochrome bc1-aa3), as well as various membrane transporters such as the MmpL family (NIH, 2025; ASM, 2012). These processes are vital for Mtb survival across different metabolic states, including the non-replicating persistence that characterizes latent infection (Frontiers, 2022). Drugs targeting this system, such as bedaquiline and pyrazinamide, work by depleting cellular ATP or dissipating the proton motive force, effectively starving the bacteria of energy and disrupting cell wall synthesis (IntechOpen, 2022; ResearchGate, 2025). Because these targets are essential for both actively growing and dormant bacilli, they are highly valued for their potential to shorten tuberculosis treatment regimens and overcome multi-drug resistance (NIH, 2025).

Other names

Mycobacterial bioenergeticsMtb membrane transport systemProton motive force (PMF) maintenanceMtb oxidative phosphorylation

Inhibition of ATP synthase, disruption of the proton motive force (PMF), inhibition of the cytochrome bc1-aa3 complex, and inhibition of membrane transporters like MmpL3.