Identification of idiosyncratic Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribosomal protein subunits with implications in extraribosomal function, persistence, and drug resistance based on transcriptome data.

Ribosome, the protein synthesis machinery essential for all living cells, consists of ribosomal proteins and RNA. Extraribosomal functions have recently been discovered for many ribosomal proteins, acting either as individual regulatory proteins or as a complex with other cell components. However, extraribosomal functions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribosomal proteins have not been systematically addressed.

Novel insights into Mycobacterium antigen Ag85 biology and implications in countermeasures for M. tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis remains one of the most prevalent and deadly infectious diseases, largely due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant and extensive drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially the coinfection with HIV. Mycobacterium Ag85 complex (Ag85A, B, and C), with a carboxylesterase consensus sequence and conserved surface catalysis residues, involves in cell wall biosynthesis and the trigger of the host immune response. The physiological function, structures, distributions, and molecular mechanisms of regulations as well as their implications in novel vaccines and diagnostics against tuberculosis are summarized.

New insights into the pathogenesis of tuberculosis revealed by Mycobacterium marinum: the zebrafish model from the systems biology perspective.

Tuberculosis remains a worldwide health concern, largely due to the emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) and extensive-drug-resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis co-infection with HIV. The exact mechanism of Mycobacterium virulence, pathogenesis, and persistence is not fully understood. The hallmark of tuberculosis, granulomas are promoted by Mycobacterium virulence factors, and they have long been considered a structural advantage to the host.