Abstract
Aerobic and anaerobic respiratory systems allow cells to transport the electrons to terminal electron acceptors. The quinone (ubiquinone or menaquinone) pool is central to the electron transport chain. In the majority of Gram-positive bacteria, vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is the sole quinone in the electron transport chain, and thus, the bacterial enzymes catalyzing the synthesis of menaquinone are potential targets for the development of novel antibacterial drugs. This manuscript reviews the role of vitamin K in bacteria and humans, and especially emphasizes on recent aspects of menaquinones in bacterial electron transport chain and on discoveries of inhibitor molecules targeting bacterial electron transport systems for new antibacterial agents.
Highlights
Vitamin K is a lipid-soluble essential vitamin that is stable to air but susceptible to air under sunlight
Menaquinone biosynthesis has been neglected as targets for the development of novel antibacterial agents
Menaquinone is a key component of the electron transport systems in the majority of Gram-positive bacteria including M. tuberculosis
Summary
Vitamin K is a lipid-soluble essential vitamin that is stable to air but susceptible to air under sunlight. Coagulation refers to the process of blood clot formation. Phylloquinone is derived from dietary intake and menaquinones are produced by intestinal bacteria. There is no direct evidence for the utility of menaquinones by humans, it is believed that menaquinones are utilized for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors when phylloquinone is depleted [2]. Menaquinones are known to be more effective than phylloquinone with respect to osteroclastogenesis, hypocholesterolemic effects, and ability to slow atherosclerotic progression. Menaquinones play important roles in electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation, active transport, and endospore formation in bacteria. In addition to these functions, the variations in the inherent structures of menaquinones and their uneven distributions among bacteria are considered important in bacterial taxonomy [3]. Menaquinone biosynthesis has received considerable attentions as drug targets for multidrug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
