Monstrous Mycobacterial Lipids

Cell Chem Biol. 2016 Feb 18;23(2):207-209. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2016.02.004.

Abstract

When it comes to lipid diversity, no bacterial genus approaches Mycobacterium. In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Burbaud et al. (2016) provide a multi-genic working model for the biosynthesis of trehalose polyphleate (TPP), one of the largest known lipids in mycobacteria. They demonstrate that this lipid is made by diverse mycobacterial species, including those of medical importance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Lipids / biosynthesis*
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Mycobacterium Infections
  • Mycobacterium bovis
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Mycobacterium*
  • Trehalose / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Lipids
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Trehalose