Rv2223c, an acid inducible carboxyl-esterase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis enhanced the growth and survival of Mycobacterium smegmatis

Aim: To elucidate the role of Rv2223c in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Methods: Purified recombinant Rv2223c protein was characterized. Expression of rv2223c in the presence of different stress environment and subcellular localization were performed in M. tuberculosis H37Ra and Mycobacterium smegmatis ( MS_2223c). Effect of its overexpression on growth rate, infection and intracellular survival in THP-1/PBMC cells were studied. Results: rRv2223c demonstrated esterase activity with preference for pNP-octanoate and hydrolyzed trioctanoate to di- and mono-octanoate. Expression of rv2223c was upregulated in acidic and nutritive stress conditions. rRv2223c was identified in extracellular and cell wall fractions. MS_2223c exhibited enhanced growth, survival during in vitro stress, infection and intracellular survival. Conclusions: Rv2223c is a secretary, carboxyl-esterase, with enhanced expression under acidic and nutritive stress condition and might help in intracellular survival of bacteria.

GENDER SPECIFIC CHANGES IN MOUSE BLOOD ESTRERASE PROFILE AT THE ACUTE INTOXICATION BY 2-(О-CRESYL)-4Н-1,3,2-BENZODIOXAPHOSPHORIN-2-OXIDE

A comparative investigation of the esterase profiles of blood of mice of both genders exposed to various doses of 2-(o-crezyl)-4H-1,3,2-benzodioxaphosphorin-2-oxide (CBDP) was made an hour after its percutaneous injection to animals. A lesser amount of esterase in males blood made them more susceptible to CBDP action as compared to females. It was shown that CBDP equally inhibits the activity of carboxyl esterase and butyryl choline esterase in blood serum of both male and female mice. Statistically significant differences in inhibition degree of enzymes between males and females were found out and therefore it is not recommended to use mixed groups of animals when performing testing of serine esterase inhibitors.