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Molybdenum cofactor: a key component of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis?
Monique Williams1, Valerie Mizrahi, Bavesh Davandra Kana
1MRC/NHLS/UCT Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit, Division of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Cape Town .
Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|January 16, 2013
Summary
Mycobacterium tuberculosis has unique genes for making molybdenum cofactor (MoCo), essential for metabolism. Its biosynthesis and related enzymes are crucial for Mtb pathogenesis, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) utilizes molybdenum cofactor (MoCo) for essential metabolic processes.
- MoCo is a complex pterin molecule vital for various enzymatic redox reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent advances in understanding MoCo biosynthesis in Mtb.
- To highlight the role of MoCo biosynthesis and dependent enzymes in Mtb pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on MoCo biosynthesis pathway in Mtb.
- Analysis of evidence linking MoCo pathway components to Mtb virulence.
Main Results:
- Mtb possesses an expanded gene set for MoCo biosynthesis.
- Key enzymes involved in MoCo metabolism are implicated in Mtb pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- The MoCo biosynthetic pathway is a significant factor in Mtb virulence.
- Targeting MoCo biosynthesis or associated enzymes may offer new strategies against tuberculosis.
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