Scientific interest in mycobacteria has been sparked by the medical importance of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that is known to cause severe diseases in mammals, i.e.
tuberculosis and by properties that distinguish them from other microorganisms which are
notoriously difficult to treat. The treatment of their infections is difficult because mycobacteria
fortify themselves with a thick impermeable cell envelope. Channel and transporter proteins
are among the crucial adaptations of Mycobacterium that facilitate their strength to
combat against host immune system and anti-tuberculosis drugs. In previous studies, it was
investigated that some of the channel proteins contribute to the overall antibiotic resistance in
Mtb. Moreover, in some of the cases, membrane proteins were found responsible for virulence
of these pathogens. Given the ability of M. tuberculosis to survive as an intracellular
pathogen and its inclination to develop resistance to the prevailing anti-tuberculosis drugs, its
treatment requires new approaches and optimization of anti-TB drugs and investigation of
new targets are needed for their potential in clinical usage. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate
the survival of Mtb. in stressed conditions with different behavior of particular
channel/ transporter proteins. Comprehensive understanding of channel proteins and their
mechanism will provide us direction to find out preventive measures against the emergence
of resistance and reduce the duration of the treatment, eventually leading to plausible eradication
of tuberculosis.
Combined Mutations of Canalicular Transporter Proteins Causing Low Phospholipid-Associated Cholelithiasis and Transient Neonatal Cholestasis in an Infant
