Cell envelope biosynthetic pathways as targets for novel antibacterial drug design against Burkholderia pseudomallei and Neisseria meningitidis

Gram-negative bacteria are surrounded by a cell envelope consisting of an inner membrane, peptidoglycan layer, periplasmic space, and outer membrane. Proteins responsible for synthesis and assembly of the cell envelope represent promising targets for development of novel antimicrobials as they may increase membrane permeability and impair bacterial viability. The work presented in this thesis contributes to the understanding of cell envelope biosynthetic enzymes ArnC and LspA as prospective drug targets against Gram-negative human pathogens Burkholderia pseudomallei and Neisseria meningitidis. In particular, it provides a foundation for future structural studies of these proteins in order to facilitate rational design of novel therapeutics.