New messages from old messengers: cAMP and mycobacteria.
Cyclic nucleotides are ancient second messengers, and the enzymes that synthesize cAMP and cGMP [cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (cNMPs)] are encoded in the genomes of several bacteria. We focus here on recent biochemical and structural information on the proteins that make and break cyclic nucleotides in mycobacteria, namely the nucleotide cyclases and phosphodiesterases, respectively. The presence of these enzymes along with putative cNMP-binding proteins suggests an intricate regulation of cAMP metabolism and utilization by these organisms. It is anticipated that future research will be directed towards identifying cellular processes that are regulated by cAMP in mycobacteria and deciphering the cross-talk between mycobacterial pathogens and their eukaryotic host.
Shenoy
Avinash R
AR
Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
Visweswariah
Sandhya S
SS
D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding; D011487:Protein Conformation; D015290:Second Messenger Systems / Q000502:physiology*
D000242:Cyclic AMP; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases