Mycobacterial membrane lipid bilayer

The mycobacterial membrane lipid bilayer is a fundamental structural component of the mycobacterial cell envelope, distinguished by its exceptional complexity and high lipid content (Brennan & Nikaido, 1995). It consists of an inner cytoplasmic membrane and a unique outer membrane, known as the mycomembrane, which is primarily composed of long-chain mycolic acids (Dulberger et al., 2020). This lipid-rich architecture functions as a highly effective permeability barrier, shielding the bacterium from host immune responses and limiting the entry of many conventional antibiotics (Minnikin, 1982). In the context of disease, this barrier is a primary reason for the intrinsic drug resistance observed in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacterial pathogens (Dulberger et al., 2020). Therapeutic strategies often target the membrane by inhibiting the biosynthesis of its lipid constituents, such as mycolic acids, or by directly disrupting membrane integrity and the proton motive force (Zhang et al., 2003). Additionally, membrane-bound proteins like ATP synthase are the targets of modern antitubercular drugs like bedaquiline (Andries et al., 2005). Understanding the complex architecture of this lipid bilayer is crucial for developing new treatments against drug-resistant mycobacterial strains.

Other names

Mycobacterial cell envelopeMycomembraneMycobacterial plasma membraneMycobacterial outer membraneMycobacterial cell membrane

Inhibition of mycolic acid biosynthesis, disruption of the proton motive force and membrane potential, inhibition of membrane-bound ATP synthase, and disruption of membrane physical integrity.