The anti-tuberculosis drug bedaquiline targets ATP synthase, but there is controversy about the precise mechanisms leading to mycobacterial death. Here, the authors show that the apparent ‘uncoupling’ activity of bedaquiline is, in fact, a redirection of electron flux to the CydAB oxidase, induced to mitigate the deleterious consequences of ATP synthase inhibition.
- Suzanna H. Harrison
- Rowan C. Walters
- James N. Blaza
