Inositol lipid metabolism in mycobacteria: Biosynthesis and regulatory mechanisms

► Mycobacteria include many medically important pathogens. ► Biosynthesis of inositol lipids is complex and requires regulatory mechanisms. ► Controlling the level of d-myo-inositol 3-phosphate appears to be important. ► Regulatory proteins and spatial separations control inositol lipid biosynthesis. ► Control mechanisms exist for polymer elongation of lipomannan and lipoarabinomannan.