Regulation of transcription initiation in mycobacteria

The success of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a deadly pathogen lies in its ability to survive under adverse conditions during pre- and post-infectious stages. The transcription process and the regulation of gene expression are central to the survival of the pathogen through the harsh conditions. Multiple sigma factors, transcription regulators, diverse two-component systems contribute in tailoring the events to meet the challenges faced by the pathogen. Although the machinery is conserved, many aspects of transcription and its regulation seem to be different in mycobacteria when compared to the other well-studied organisms. Here, we discuss salient aspects of transcription and its regulation in the context of distinct physiology of mycobacteria.