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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Separation and Fractionation of Cell Wall and Cell Membrane Proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis for Downstream Protein Analysis
Published on: September 26, 2025
Identification and characterization of a major cell wall-associated iron-regulated envelope protein (Irep-28) in
Veena C Yeruva1, Sridevi Duggirala, V Lakshmi
1School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad-500 046, India.
Abstract:
Iron limitation and the expression of mycobactin and carboxymycobactin by Mycobacterium tuberculosis are known. Here, we report how iron regulated the coordinate expression of these two siderophores and a 28-kDa cell wall-associated iron-regulated protein (Irep-28). Irep-28 is identified as the DNA-binding HU homologue HupB protein (hupB [Rv2986c]). Antibodies to this protein were detected in sera from tuberculosis patients. The location of the protein in the cell wall makes it a potential drug target.
Insights
Iron regulates the expression of mycobactin and carboxymycobactin siderophores in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A cell wall protein, HupB, is identified as iron-regulated and a potential drug target for tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Iron is essential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth and virulence.
- Expression of mycobactin and carboxymycobactin siderophores is known to be iron-regulated.
- The role of other iron-regulated proteins in M. tuberculosis remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coordinate regulation of siderophore expression by iron in M. tuberculosis.
- To identify and characterize novel iron-regulated proteins involved in M. tuberculosis physiology.
- To assess the potential of identified iron-regulated proteins as drug targets.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of siderophore expression under varying iron conditions.
- Identification and characterization of iron-regulated proteins using proteomic and genetic approaches.
- Antibody detection in patient sera to assess protein relevance.
Main Results:
- Iron was found to regulate the coordinate expression of mycobactin and carboxymycobactin.
- A 28-kDa cell wall-associated iron-regulated protein (Irep-28) was identified.
- Irep-28 was characterized as the DNA-binding HU homologue HupB protein (hupB [Rv2986c]).
- Antibodies against HupB were detected in sera from tuberculosis patients.
Conclusions:
- HupB is an iron-regulated protein in M. tuberculosis, involved in siderophore expression.
- The cell wall localization of HupB suggests its potential as a drug target.
- Detection of anti-HupB antibodies indicates its immunogenic potential in tuberculosis patients.
