Lay summary
Our poor understanding of the phenomenon of persistence is the greatest roadblock to improved treatment of tuberculosis (TB), leading to latent disease and severely restricting the utility of current drugs. I have developed, and lead, a research programme investigating various metabolic processes in the biology and pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium that causes TB. My current proposal is focused on the involvement of two key metabolic contributors to the anaerobic survival and persistence of Mtb: the cofactor F420 and iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters. By deepening our molecular understanding of bacterial persistence, this research will provide a framework for the future development of novel anti-TB drugs in the treatment of persistent TB in infected individuals.