Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Synthesis of Masarimycin, a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Gram-Positive Bacterial Growth
Published on: January 7, 2022
Recent advances in mycobacterial cell wall glycan biosynthesis
1Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Carbohydrate Science and Department of Chemistry, The University of Alberta, Gunning-Lemieux Chemistry Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada.
Abstract:
The cell wall of mycobacteria, including the causative agents of the human diseases tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and leprosy (M. leprae), is composed of an array of carbohydrate-containing molecules. These glycoconjugates are assembled by glycosyltransferases (GTs) that work in tandem through pathways that are only now beginning to be fully understood. Given the essentiality of cell wall glycans to mycobacterial viability, these enzymes represent novel targets for drug action. Summarized here are recent genetic and biochemical studies leading to the identification and characterization of mycobacterial GTs.
Related Concept Videos
Peptidoglycan Synthesis
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis
Archaeal Cell Wall
Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides
Oligosaccharide Assembly
Multiple sugar molecules that may or may...
Bacterial Cell Wall

