Comprehensive profiling of functional attributes, virulence potential and evolutionary dynamics in mycobacterial...

Mycobacterium is an interesting genus which not only includes intimidating pathogens, associated with severe devastations globally, but also comprises of non-pathogenic eco-friendly members that detoxify environmental pollutants. Secretory proteins of the mycobacterial communities are essential components which are firmly believed to facilitate proper cross-talk and apt communication with host cellular surroundings and environmental niche. Secretory elements also play vital roles in mycobacterial pathogenesis. In the present endeavor, an extensive profiling of mycobacterial secretomes, considering both pathogenic and non-pathogenic members, has been executed. Thorough analysis on amino acid composition and functional behavior of the mycobacterial secretory proteins has also been performed. In-depth scrutiny of biosynthetic cost of the secretory proteins with respect to the non-secretory ones indicated that the genus Mycobacterium strictly follows the policy of cost-minimization among the sets of imperative secretory proteins. Comprehensive assessment of potential virulence among the key secretory components signified that the pathogenic mycobacterial members possess a larger share of potentially virulent secretory elements in comparison to their non-pathogenic counterparts. Present analysis also revealed contrasted evolutionary features of the secretomes wherein secretory proteins were found to evolve faster than non-secretory proteins in mycobacterial pathogens but not in the concerned non-pathogens. Outcomes of present investigation promise to provide novel insights into the enigma of mycobacterial pathogenesis, bioremediation and adaptation in diverse niche and aid further scientific investigations associated with concerned research area.