Mycobacterium tuberculosis folate and transcription pathways

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis folate and transcription pathways represent two distinct but vital biological systems required for the growth and persistence of the tubercle bacillus. The folate biosynthesis pathway is responsible for producing reduced folate cofactors necessary for the synthesis of thymidylate, purines, and certain amino acids; key enzymes include dihydropteroate synthase (FolP1) and dihydrofolate reductase (FolA) (Source: UniProt P9WNJ3). The transcription pathway is governed by the DNA-directed RNA polymerase (RNAP) complex, which transcribes genetic information from DNA into messenger RNA, a process vital for all cellular functions (Source: PubMed 28428368). These pathways are the targets of several frontline and second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs, such as rifampicin (targeting RNAP) and para-aminosalicylic acid (targeting the folate pathway) (Source: PubMed 23438308). Because this entry combines two separate metabolic and regulatory frameworks, it is considered a pathway group rather than a single molecular target. Resistance to drugs targeting these pathways often arises through specific mutations in genes like rpoB (for transcription) or folP1 and thyA (for folate metabolism) (Source: PubMed 28428368).

Other names

Mtb folate biosynthesis and RNA synthesis pathwaysMtb transcription and folate metabolismMtb folate and transcription machinery

Inhibition of DNA-directed RNA polymerase; Inhibition of dihydropteroate synthase; Inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase.