Comparative Genomic Insights Into the Biosynthesis and Regulation of Mycobacterial Siderophores

• Main Authors: Wu Li, Junli He, Longxiang Xie, Tian Chen, Jianping Xie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cell Physiol Biochem Press GmbH & Co KG 2013-01-01
• Series: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry
• Subjects: Mycobacteria; Siderophore; Biosynthesis; Anti-tuberculosis
• Online Access: http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/343343

Iron is essential for nearly all biological events. Siderophores are indispensable for most organisms to obtain iron from iron-limiting milieus. This holds particularly true for pathogens such as the causative agent of tuberculosis – Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The categories of mycobacterial siderophores, their biosynthesis and regulation are summarized here. The siderophore biosynthesis and regulation differences between the pathogenic and non-pathogenic mycobacteria are highlighted from comparative genomic perspective, with an aim to find clues for drug or drug target within siderophore metabolism.