Biochemistry

One third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). In 95 % of infected individuals Mtb persists in a metabolically highly reduced stage of dormancy (latent infection). Metabolism of Mtb in this persistent stage is poorly understood. Our laboratory is a part of the 7th framework project Systems biology of Mtb (Systemtb) and in collaboration with other laboratories we work on characterization of selected enzymes. This thesis will be focused on cloning, expression, and characterization of enzymes that are up-regulated in the stage of dormancy, e.g. 6-phosphofructokinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, etc. Part of this thesis can be performed in foreign collaborating laboratory.