[Gene function of glpX in mycobacterium].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the function of glpX gene in mycobacterial physiology and metabolism.

METHODS

The glpX mutant of Mycobacterium smegmatis was constructed byusing mycobacteriophage Che9c-encoded recombination system. Then the growth difference between mutant and wild type strain was compared on various carbon sources. Furthermore, we analyzed the glpX gene transcriptional level of wild type strain growing on glucose or oleic acid by realtime PCR.

RESULTS

The growth of M. smegmatis on glycerol or oleic acid is strongly attenuated after the deletion of the glpX gene. The transcription of glpX gene is upregulated in the medium with oleic acid as the sole carbon source.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase encoded by glpX gene is required and nonredundant for mycobacterial gluconeogenesis.