Open AccessThe heat shock response of Mycobacterium tuberculosis : linking gene expression, immunology and pathogenesis
Author(s) -
Stewart Graham R.,
Wernisch Lorenz,
Stabler Richard,
Mangan Joseph A.,
Hinds Jason,
Laing Ken G.,
Butcher Philip D.,
Young Douglas B.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
comparative and functional genomics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1532-6268
pISSN - 1531-6912
DOI - 10.1002/cfg.183
Subject(s) - heat shock protein , mycobacterium tuberculosis , immune system , biology , heat shock , gene expression , immunology , microarray , tuberculosis , microarray analysis techniques , gene , pathogenesis , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , medicine , pathology
The regulation of heat shock protein (HSP) expression is critically important to pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and dysregulation of the heat shock response results in increased immune recognition of the bacterium and reduced survival during chronic infection. In this study we use a whole genome spotted microarray to characterize the heat shock response of M. tuberculosis . We also begin a dissection of this important stress response by generating deletion mutants that lack specific transcriptional regulators and examining their transcriptional profiles under different stresses. Understanding the stimuli and mechanisms that govern heat shock in mycobacteria will allow us to relate observed in vivo expression patterns of HSPs to particular stresses and physiological conditions. The mechanisms controlling HSP expression also make attractive drug targets as part of a strategy designed to enhance immune recognition of the bacterium. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.