PimF, a mannosyltransferase of mycobacteria, is involved in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylinositol mannosides and lipoarabinomannan.

Phosphatidylinositol mannosides (PIMs) and their related molecules lipomannan (LM) and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) are important components of the mycobacterial cell wall. These molecules mediate host-pathogen interactions and exhibit immunomodulatory activities. The biosynthesis of these lipoglycans is not fully understood. In this study, we have identified a mycobacterial gene (Rv1500) that is involved in the synthesis of PIMs. We have named this gene pimF. Transposon mutagenesis of pimF of Mycobacterium marinum resulted in multiple phenotypes, including altered colony morphology, disappearance of tetracyl-PIM(7), and accumulation of tetraacyl-PIM(5). The syntheses of LAM and LM were also affected. In addition, the pimF mutant exhibited a defect during infection of cultured macrophage cells. Although the mutant was able to replicate and persist within macrophages, the initial cell entry step was inefficient. Transformation of the M. marinum mutant with the pimF homolog of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complemented all of the above mentioned phenotypes. These results provide evidence that PimF is a mannosyltransferase. However, sequence analysis indicates that PimF is distinct from mannosyltransferases involved in the early steps of PIM synthesis. PimF catalyzes the formation of high molecular weight PIMs, which are precursors for the synthesis of LAM and LM. As such, this work marks the first analysis of a mannosyltransferase involved in the later stages of PIM synthesis.