Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, ITALY., Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Napoli, ITALY., Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, IBB, Via Mezzocannone 1, 80134, Napoli, ITALY.,
References: Not available.
Chemistry of Peptidoglycan in Mycobacterium tuberculosis life style: an off-the-wall balance of synthesis and degradation
The cell wall envelope of mycobacteria is structurally distinct from that of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, this cell wall has unique structural features and plays a crucial role in drug resistance and macrophage survival under stress conditions. Peptidoglycan is the major constituent of this cell wall, with an important structural role, giving structural strength, and counteracting the osmotic pressure of the cytoplasm. Synthesis of this complex polymer takes place in three stages that occur at three different locations in the cell, from the cytoplasm to the external side of the cell membrane, where polymerization occurs. A fine balance of peptidoglycan synthesis and degradation is responsible for a plethora of molecular mechanisms which are key to the pathogenicity of M. tuberculosis. Enlargement of mycobacterial cells can occur via synthesis of new peptidoglycan, autolysis of old peptidoglycan or a combination of both processes. Here, we discuss the chemical aspects of peptidoglycan synthesis and degradation, in relation to metabolic stages of M. tuberculosis. In a travel from inside the mycobacterial cytoplasm to outside its membrane, we describe the assembly line of peptidoglycan synthesis and polymerization, to continue with its depolymerization events and their consequences on mycobacterial life and resuscitation from dormancy.
Chemistry of Peptidoglycan in Mycobacterium tuberculosis life style: an off-the-wall balance of synthesis and degradation
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Chemistry of Peptidoglycan in Mycobacterium tuberculosis life style: an off-the-wall balance of synthesis and degradation