The K+ uptake regulator TrkA controls membrane potential, pH homeostasis and multidrug susceptibility in Mycobacterium smegmatis

Abstract

Our results suggest that trkA is a general regulator of antibiotic susceptibility, and the changes in the multidrug susceptibility/resistance pattern detected in the trkA mutant are associated with membrane hyperpolarization. This study sheds light on the role of ion transport activity in intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance in mycobacteria.