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class=\"container\">\r\n\r\n \r\n <div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Taane G. Clark<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"title\">What can \u2019omics tell us about tuberculosis?<\/div>\r\n <p>\r\n Tuberculosis, caused by bacteria in the <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> complex, remains a major\r\n global health challenge, with drug resistance and the absence of an effective vaccine continuing to\r\n hinder control efforts. Advances in sequencing technologies and analytical methods \u2014 including\r\n bioinformatics, data science, and AI \u2014 are transforming the generation and interpretation of \u2019omics data,\r\n enabling the design of improved diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Many countries now use whole-genome and amplicon-based sequencing to characterise circulating \r\n <em>M. tuberculosis<\/em> strains, uncover transmission clusters, and detect genotypic drug-resistance variants,\r\n providing actionable intelligence for clinical settings, surveillance, and infection-control programmes.\r\n Evidence of host\u2013pathogen co-evolution is also driving genome-to-genome studies that seek to pinpoint\r\n genetic interactions shaping disease risk, progression, and treatment outcomes.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This talk will highlight applications of \u2019omics \u2014 particularly genomics and transcriptomics \u2014 across both\r\n host and pathogen, and will discuss emerging opportunities, including the use of AI-driven approaches,\r\n to accelerate insights and deliver tools that support global tuberculosis control.\r\n <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n <div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Christophe Sola<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n IAME, INSERM\u2013Universit\u00e9 Paris-Cit\u00e9, Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Universit\u00e9 Paris-Saclay\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Reconstructing a global evolutionary history of tuberculosis: what are the still unanswered questions?\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n During this presentation we tackle the issue of the global and local history of tuberculosis through\r\n space and time. We provide an up-to-date synthesis on evolutionary issues related to tuberculosis\r\n origin, ecology, and current academic research, focusing on recent results obtained using comparative\r\n genomics of <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> complex (MTBC) infections.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Key questions include: How sure are we that MTBC was a human disease at emergence? How old is the\r\n most recent common ancestor between animal and human MTBC ecotypes? What is the relative importance\r\n of human demography and bacterial transmissibility in the epidemic success of tuberculosis? What kind\r\n of host\u2013pathogen adaptation are we dealing with: co-divergence or co-evolution?\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n After reviewing major paradigm shifts arising from genomic research, this talk highlights the diversity\r\n of unresolved questions and shows how understanding the past of the pandemic may help guide future\r\n strategies to eradicate the disease.\r\n <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n <div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Kiatichai Faksri<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Director, Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (RCEID), \r\n Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand;<br>\r\n Dean, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Application of Genomics and OMICS Approaches for the Diagnosis and Control of \r\n <em>Mycobacterium<\/em> and Related Pathogens\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Tuberculosis (TB) control in high-burden settings such as Thailand requires both precise genomic \r\n surveillance of drug-resistant strains and innovative approaches for population-level screening. \r\n Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB continue to spread, while latent TB \r\n infection (LTBI) remains an underdiagnosed reservoir for future disease.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n To address these challenges, we combined four complementary approaches. First, whole-genome sequencing \r\n (WGS) of MDR\/XDR isolates from hospitals and provincial laboratories nationwide revealed multiple \r\n interprovincial transmission clusters and silent spread of XDR strains, underscoring the urgent need \r\n for cross-province genomic surveillance.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Second, we systematically evaluated and updated the drug-resistance (DR) mutation catalog, identifying \r\n rare variants in second-line drug targets that were absent from existing references but correlated with \r\n phenotypic resistance. This improved the accuracy of mutation-based diagnostics and provided insights \r\n into emerging resistance mechanisms.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Third, we developed <strong>TBLandScape<\/strong>, a national genomic analysis platform incorporating \r\n 3,354 <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> genomes to establish Thailand\u2019s first comprehensive TB genomic \r\n database. The platform integrates drug-resistance prediction, lineage classification, and phylogenetic \r\n analysis through a user-friendly interface equipped with customizable mutation databases, IGV \r\n visualization, and geo-temporal analytics (Phylomap). It supports both short- and long-read sequencing \r\n data, facilitating applications in clinical, surveillance, and research contexts. Validation using \r\n 594 reference samples demonstrated >98% accuracy for lineage and resistance prediction compared with \r\n TB-Profiler, confirming its reliability as a national bioinformatics resource.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Finally, to address the lack of effective LTBI screening tools, we evaluated a label-free \r\n surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) approach using 1,000 plasma samples from Northeast Thailand, \r\n equally divided between IGRA-positive and negative individuals. Raman mapping (7 \u00d7 7 grid) was completed \r\n within 10 minutes per sample. Optimized machine-learning models achieved 81% accuracy in train-test \r\n analysis and 75% in leave-one-out cross-validation across all batches, improving to 93% with optimized \r\n chip design and preprocessing using logistic regression.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Collectively, the integration of genomics, informatics, and AI-enhanced spectroscopy provides a rapid, \r\n scalable framework to strengthen TB diagnosis, surveillance, and LTBI screening \u2014 accelerating \r\n Thailand\u2019s progress toward the End TB Goal.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Amador Goodridge<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n INDICASAT-AIP, City of Knowledge, Panam\u00e1<br>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Endemic transmission of <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> Sublineage L2.2.M3 within Panama\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> lineage 2 (L2) remains a globally significant lineage associated \r\n with increased drug resistance and rapid transmission. The L2 lineage exhibits a hotspot for genetic \r\n diversity and evolution in Panama, requiring in-depth analysis.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n In this talk, we present a prospective analysis of <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> L2 isolates from \r\n Colon City, Panama. Using ASO-PCR, we identified 31.7% (86\/271) of isolates as Modern L2.2. \r\n Whole-genome sequencing confirmed all isolates belonged to the L2.2.1 sublineage, with 96.9% (62\/64) \r\n classified as pan-susceptible and 3.1% (2\/64) as rifampicin\/pyrazinamide-resistant.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Sublineage analysis based on SNPs using the TB-gen tool identified a mutation at position \r\n 1219683G > A, genotyping all strains as the L2.2.M3 sublineage. A correlation with geographical \r\n distribution was observed compared with other Latin American L2 isolates, alongside a relatively \r\n low evolutionary rate within Panama.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Using the TB annotator tool to compare with 1,578 L2.2.M3 strains worldwide, the Panamanian strains \r\n formed a distinct monophyletic cluster within the sublineage. This cluster contained all strains from \r\n Colon Province and three additional strains identified in non-Asian countries. The closest related \r\n branches had higher proportions of drug-resistant strains, primarily from East and Southeast Asia.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Together, these findings suggest endemic transmission of the <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> \r\n L2.2.M3 sublineage in Colon, Panama. We recommend combining genomic information with epidemiological \r\n data to accurately track and identify transmission hotspots locally and globally.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Igor Mokrousov<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Genomic insight into <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> adaptation to external stress \r\n in the in vivo and in vitro models\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p><strong>Full author list:<\/strong> Igor Mokrousov (1), Tatiana Vinogradova (2), Natalia Solovieva (2), \r\n Ivaylo Slavchev (3), Marine Dogonadze (2), Dmitry Polev (1), Georgi Dobrikov (3), Violina T. Angelova (4), \r\n Violeta Valcheva (5), and Anna Vyazovaya (1)<\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n (1) St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia<br>\r\n (2) St. Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, St. Petersburg, Russia<br>\r\n (3) Institute of Organic Chemistry with Center of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria<br>\r\n (4) Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria<br>\r\n (5) Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Different spontaneous mutations emerge in <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em>, and those beneficial for\r\n bacterial survival are selected, leading to drug resistance, tolerance, and persistence. We studied \r\n genetic variation in response to selective pressure from antibiotics and candidate anti-tuberculosis \r\n compounds in both in vivo and in vitro models.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n C57Bl\/6 mice were infected with different MDR clinical strains and treated with moxifloxacin, \r\n linezolid, and bedaquiline. Bacterial isolates were recovered from lungs after 2 and 5.5 months \r\n of treatment. For the in vitro study, the H37Rv reference strain was cultured under elevated \r\n concentrations of new candidate anti-TB compounds (nitrofuranes and aroylhydrazones), and \r\n resistant clones were subjected to whole-genome sequencing.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Treatment reduced bacterial burden in mouse lungs, and no resistance mutations to new drugs emerged. \r\n However, some isolates showed mutations beyond drug resistance. In vitro studies revealed responses \r\n to nitrofuranyl amide via multiple pathways counteracting oxidative and nitrosative stress. Mutations \r\n were also detected in genes linked to drug tolerance and efflux mechanisms.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Long-term treatment of mice infected with a hypervirulent strain resulted in selection of mycobacteria \r\n carrying a mutation inactivating the <em>tgs3<\/em> gene, associated with lipid metabolism and dormancy. \r\n Its inactivation led to increased bacterial growth. The in vitro study highlighted complex responses \r\n to nitrofuranes and aroylhydrazones, with mutations emerging in nonspecific tolerance mechanisms \r\n and stress-response pathways.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n <em>This study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (grant 24-44-00004).<\/em>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Danila Zimenkov<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n The hidden diversity of <em>Mycobacterium<\/em>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p><strong>Full author list:<\/strong> Danila Zimenkov\u00b9, Anastasia Ushtanit\u00b9, Marina Filippova\u00b9, Uliana Semenova\u00b9,\r\n Vyacheslav Zhuravlev\u00b2, Natalia Solovieva\u00b2, Peter Yablonsky\u00b2, Maria Sviridenko\u00b3, Anastasia Khakhalina\u00b3,\r\n Svetlana Safonova\u00b3, Marina Makarova\u00b3, Elizaveta Gordeeva\u2074, Elena Guselnikova\u2074, Yakov Schwartz\u2074,\r\n Natalia Stavitskaya\u2074, Yuliana Atanasova\u2075, Stanislava Yordanova\u2075, Ana Baykova\u2075, Elizabeta Bachiyska\u2075,\r\n Igor Mokrousov\u2076<\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n \u00b9 Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia<br>\r\n \u00b2 Saint-Petersburg State Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Russia<br>\r\n \u00b3 Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Tuberculosis Control, Russia<br>\r\n \u2074 Novosibirsk TB Research Institute, Russia<br>\r\n \u2075 National Reference Laboratory of Tuberculosis, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria<br>\r\n \u2076 St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria are becoming increasingly significant due to the\r\n growing number of vulnerable individuals worldwide. Understanding evolutionary relationships within\r\n the genus <em>Mycobacterium<\/em> is critical for improving species identification and enhancing diagnosis,\r\n treatment, and epidemiological tracking.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Comparative genomic analyses using average nucleotide identity, genome\u2013genome distance, Mash\r\n values, multilocus sequence analysis, and average amino acid identity (AAI) demonstrated that AAI is\r\n the most effective metric for distinguishing <em>Mycobacterium<\/em> from other genera of Mycobacteriales,\r\n producing phylogenetic trees with minimal topology error.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Genes encoding 16S and 23S rRNAs also supported genus delineation. The established 94.5\u201395.0%\r\n identity threshold for the rrs gene was confirmed, while an analogous threshold of 88.5\u201389.0% was\r\n estimated for the rrl gene.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n These findings do not support the proposed division of <em>Mycobacterium<\/em> into five genera. However,\r\n AAI distance distribution suggests the potential existence of a separate genus corresponding to the\r\n <em>M. chelonae\u2013abscessus<\/em> complex, though this remains uncertain and requires clinical considerations.\r\n Overall, at least 402 distinct mycobacterial species were identified, 246 of which have been detected in\r\n clinical human specimens.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n A gyrB fragment\u2013based hybridization assay (\u201cMyco-biochip\u201d) was developed and evaluated in clinical\r\n antituberculosis centres in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Sofia between 2022 and 2024.\r\n In total, 71 mycobacterial species were identified across 3,119 samples from 2,221 patients in Russia\r\n and 48 samples from 48 patients in Bulgaria. Laboratory testing confirmed reliable identification of more\r\n than 80 species.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Four novel mycobacterial species related to <em>M. duvalii<\/em>, <em>M. lentiflavum<\/em>, <em>M. talmoniae<\/em>, and\r\n <em>M. iranicum<\/em> were identified across multiple sites. The discovery of a close relative of\r\n <em>M. talmoniae<\/em> supports the existence of a distinct clade positioned between <em>M. terrae<\/em>,\r\n <em>M. triviale<\/em>, and other slow-growing mycobacteria, further arguing against splitting the genus.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Acid-fast bacilli identified in tuberculosis-suspected patients were not limited to <em>Mycobacterium<\/em>,\r\n but also included species from <em>Nocardia<\/em>, <em>Gordonia<\/em>, <em>Corynebacterium<\/em>, <em>Tsukamurella<\/em>,\r\n and <em>Rhodococcus<\/em> within the order Mycobacteriales. These findings highlight the importance of\r\n accurate species identification and genotyping for epidemiology, public health strategy, and improved\r\n diagnostic and treatment approaches.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Nawamin Pinpathomrat<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, \r\n Prince of Songkla University, Thailand\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n TB vaccine platforms and delivering system\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p><strong>Full author list:<\/strong> Ratchanon Sophonmanee\u00b9, Elena Stylianou\u00b2, Helen McShane\u00b2, \r\n Nawamin Pinpathomrat\u00b9*<\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n \u00b9 Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand<br>\r\n \u00b2 The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world\u2019s leading infectious causes of mortality, underscoring the\r\n urgent need for more effective and durable vaccines beyond the century-old Bacille Calmette\u2013Gu\u00e9rin\r\n (BCG). Advances in immunology, molecular biology, and biomaterials have accelerated the development\r\n of next-generation TB vaccine platforms designed to induce robust, long-lasting, and tissue-specific\r\n immunity.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This talk provides an overview of emerging TB vaccine platforms, including live-attenuated and\r\n recombinant mycobacterial vaccines, viral-vectored vaccines, protein subunit vaccines with novel\r\n adjuvants, and nucleic acid\u2013based approaches such as mRNA vaccines.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Equally critical to vaccine efficacy is the delivery system, which governs antigen presentation,\r\n immune polarization, dose-sparing potential, and scalability. The presentation will explore innovative\r\n delivery strategies including lipid nanoparticle systems, viral and non-viral vectors, and skin-targeted\r\n delivery methods such as microneedle arrays that leverage the high density of antigen-presenting cells\r\n in the dermis.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Special emphasis will be placed on tailoring delivery platforms to enhance cellular immunity,\r\n particularly Th1 and CD8\u207a T-cell responses, which are central to protection against\r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em>.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n By integrating advances in vaccine platform design with optimized delivery technologies, this talk\r\n highlights a translational pathway toward more effective TB vaccination strategies. Key challenges in\r\n clinical development, manufacturing, and implementation in high-burden settings will also be\r\n discussed, outlining future directions for TB vaccine innovation in the era of precision vaccinology.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Qian Gao<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Molecular Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in China\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This study aimed to clarify tuberculosis (TB) transmission patterns \u2014 including recent transmission\r\n versus endogenous reactivation \u2014 as well as identify high-risk groups and transmission hotspots in\r\n urban and rural China using genomic epidemiological methods. Whole-genome sequencing combined\r\n with epidemiological investigation was applied to generate evidence for optimizing TB control\r\n strategies in high-burden settings.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Conducted from 2009 to 2023 across urban sites in Shanghai Songjiang and Shenzhen Longhua, and\r\n rural sites in Sichuan Wusheng, Heilongjiang Wuchang, and Henan Linzhou, the study defined recent\r\n transmission as \u226412 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of 2,212 urban and 2,418 rural\r\n culture-positive pulmonary TB patients were analyzed.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Findings revealed marked urban\u2013rural disparities in TB transmission. Urban areas showed relatively\r\n low recent transmission clustering rates (25.2% in Songjiang and 15.4% in Longhua), with 70\u201374.7% of\r\n patients being migrants. Transmission occurred mainly within migrant populations (61%) and local\r\n residents (17%), with unmanaged migrants identified as major sources of infection. Approximately\r\n 70% of migrants developed TB within two years of arriving in cities, and transmission risk declined\r\n significantly with increasing spatial distance.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Rural areas demonstrated higher clustering rates (26.9\u201344.7%), with\r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> predominantly belonging to lineage L2 (72.8%). Close contacts\r\n accounted for 42% of cases, while students showed a 3.84\u20134.82-fold higher clustering risk. Transmission\r\n patterns also varied across geographical regions.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n The study indicates that TB transmission in high-burden areas is largely driven by recent transmission,\r\n although clustering may be underestimated due to sequencing limitations and population mobility.\r\n Models focused solely on high-risk groups from developed countries may not be directly applicable to\r\n China.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Active case finding remains central to TB control, requiring context-specific identification of high-risk\r\n groups and hotspots. Strengthening migrant health management, student protection, and monitoring of\r\n high-density gathering settings will be essential to reduce community transmission and improve TB\r\n control outcomes.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Katsushi Tokunaga<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Genome Medical Science Project, National Institute of Global Health, Japan Institute for Health Security, Tokyo, Japan\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Genomic approach to infectious diseases\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n We have recently conducted several human whole-genome sequencing (WGS) projects and investigated\r\n human genomic variation associated with a wide range of diseases, including infectious diseases.\r\n Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and high-resolution typing of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)\r\n genes were performed to identify genetic factors influencing disease susceptibility, drug response,\r\n and vaccine response.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n One notable finding involves interactions between pathogen genomes and the human genome. Interactive\r\n effects between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomic mutations and human HLA genes were identified, where\r\n specific combinations of HBV variants and HLA-DPB1 alleles were associated with increased risk of\r\n progression from chronic hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Both high and low responses to HB vaccination were significantly associated with specific HLA-DRB1\r\n alleles. Associations were also observed between adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination and\r\n human genetic variation, including variants in the IL1RL1\/IL18R1\/IL18RAP region and in HLA genes.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n We also present findings on interactions between tuberculosis lineages and human genomic variation.\r\n In addition, we contribute to the \u201cInfectious Disease Clinical Research Network with National\r\n Repository\u201d by performing whole-genome sequencing of patient samples.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Surakameth Mahasirimongkol<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n The Dual-Genome Strategy: Operationalizing Host Genetics (NAT2) and Pathogen WGS to Reduce TB Mortality and Transmission\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n While global TB control strategies have historically focused on the genome of \r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em>, the genetic architecture of the human host remains an overlooked \r\n factor in determining clinical outcomes. Achieving End TB targets requires integrating host genetic \r\n profiling alongside pathogen surveillance.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This presentation highlights the urgent implementation of pharmacogenomics (PGx) to mitigate \r\n drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a major cause of treatment interruption and mortality. Particular \r\n focus is placed on NAT2 (<em>N-acetyltransferase 2<\/em>), where slow acetylator alleles common in \r\n Southeast Asian populations can lead to toxic accumulation during standard isoniazid dosing. The role \r\n of rapid acetylators in increased mortality, particularly among HIV-infected TB patients, is also \r\n explored.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Beyond treatment toxicity, host susceptibility is examined through pathogen\u2013host co-evolution.\r\n Lineage-specific genetic risk is highlighted, including associations between HLA-DRB1*09 and\r\n susceptibility to Lineage 2 (Beijing family) strains, and CD53 variants linked to Lineage 1\r\n (Indo-Oceanic) infection. These findings suggest that host immune responses are often dependent on\r\n the infecting strain.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n The study integrates host susceptibility data with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of\r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> to map transmission dynamics. WGS enables detection of cryptic\r\n outbreak clusters and differentiation between recent transmission and reactivation. Overlaying host\r\n genetic risk onto WGS-defined transmission networks helps identify high-risk transmission nodes\r\n where specific host\u2013pathogen combinations accelerate community spread.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n A \u201cDual-Genome Triage\u201d model is proposed, combining regional NAT2 genotyping with pathogen WGS to\r\n stratify patients into standard versus precision dosing pathways while simultaneously disrupting\r\n transmission chains. This host-informed, pathogen-aware approach represents a key step toward\r\n reducing preventable deaths and advancing TB elimination efforts.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p><strong>Keywords:<\/strong> Host Genetics, NAT2, Pharmacogenomics, HLA-DRB1, CD53, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Taisei Mushiroda<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Japan\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Toward Patient-Centered, Stratified Tuberculosis Treatment Through Pharmacogenomics\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Isoniazid (INH) is primarily metabolized by N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), and individuals with the\r\n slow acetylator (SA) genotype have a higher risk of developing INH-induced liver injury compared\r\n with rapid acetylators (RA). NAT2 genetic testing enables prediction of both drug efficacy and the\r\n risk of adverse drug reactions even before initiating tuberculosis (TB) treatment.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n In the Thai population\u2014where the frequency of NAT2 slow acetylators is higher than in Japanese\r\n populations\u2014the importance of establishing TB treatment regimens based on preemptive NAT2 testing\r\n is particularly significant. The Thai National Tuberculosis Control Programme Guideline (2018 edition)\r\n states that INH dosage adjustment based on NAT2 test results is possible for patients who develop\r\n INH-induced liver injury.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This recommendation is based on retrospective studies conducted through long-term collaboration\r\n between the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, and Japanese\r\n research teams. However, the relatively low level of evidence compared with prospective studies,\r\n along with the focus on liver injury risk alone, has limited widespread adoption of NAT2 testing in\r\n Thailand.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Recently, cohort studies conducted in Thailand reported that among 1,065 TB patients treated with\r\n INH, rapid acetylators (n = 198) had a 1.7-fold higher one-year all-cause mortality compared with\r\n intermediate acetylators (n = 490) (95% CI: 1.03\u20132.80, P = 0.04). These findings suggest that a\r\n stratified treatment strategy incorporating INH dose adjustment based on NAT2 genotype may improve\r\n outcomes in TB patients.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Further evaluation through prospective clinical trials is expected to strengthen evidence for the\r\n clinical utility of NAT2 testing and support wider implementation of pharmacogenomics-guided TB\r\n treatment.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Margarita Shleeva<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Federal Research Centre \u201cFundamentals of Biotechnology\u201d, Russian Academy of Sciences<br>\r\n Moscow, Russia\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n A Novel Biochemical Reaction in Mycobacteria: Coproporphyrin III Tetramethyl Ester Synthesis and Its Adaptation Significance\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"authors\">\r\n <strong>Authors:<\/strong><br>\r\n Margarita Shleeva<sup>1<\/sup>, Daria Bagaeva<sup>1<\/sup>, Galina Demina<sup>1<\/sup>, Maria Khrenova<sup>1,2<\/sup>,<br>\r\n Michael Agaphonov<sup>1<\/sup>, Alexander Savitsky<sup>1<\/sup>, Arseny Kaprelyants<sup>1<\/sup>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"institutions\">\r\n <sup>1<\/sup>A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Centre \u201cFundamentals of Biotechnology\u201d,<br>\r\n Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia<br>\r\n <sup>2<\/sup>Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Mycobacteria such as <em>Mycobacterium smegmatis<\/em> and <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em>\r\n exhibit remarkable persistence and survival strategies, particularly during the transition to dormancy.\r\n This state is characterized by the accumulation of tetramethyl coproporphyrin III (TMC) within cellular\r\n membranes.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Using fluorescence anisotropy with BODIPY FL C16 probes, we observed a significant decrease in\r\n membrane fluidity in dormant cells (anisotropy increasing from 0.05 to 0.22). Increased TMC levels,\r\n induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid in viable cells, similarly reduced membrane fluidity and inhibited\r\n respiratory chain activity, as shown by decreased oxygen consumption and reduced DCPIP redox\r\n acceptor activity.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Upon reactivation, both porphyrin content and membrane fluidity returned to viable levels within\r\n 8 hours. We identified two novel mycobacterial methyltransferases, MSMEG_0614 and Rv0281,\r\n which catalyze S-adenosyl-L-methionine\u2013dependent conversion of coproporphyrin into TMC through\r\n sequential methylation.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n A deletion mutant of MSMEG_0614 in <em>M. smegmatis<\/em> showed significantly reduced TMC levels\r\n during dormancy, while overexpression increased intracellular TMC, inhibited respiration, and enhanced\r\n resistance to heat shock (90-fold) and oxidative stress (7-fold).\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n These findings reveal a novel porphyrin modification pathway that contributes to mycobacterial\r\n dormancy and stress tolerance, offering new insights into pathogen survival mechanisms.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\nThe work was carried out within the Russian Science Foundation grant 24-15-00221.\r\n<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c1904f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c1904f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-13f87a8 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"13f87a8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a368a87\" data-id=\"a368a87\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28b5226 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"28b5226\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<link\r\n href=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/bootstrap@5.3.3\/dist\/css\/bootstrap.min.css\"\r\n rel=\"stylesheet\"\r\n\/>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.site-footer-istm {\r\n background-color: #e7f0f1;\r\n padding: 40px 20px 5px;\r\n font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\r\n color: #2e3e5e;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.site-footer-istm h5 {\r\n color: #2e3e5e;\r\n padding-right: 5rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.footer-logo img {\r\n max-height: 170px;\r\n margin-top: 0rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.footer-bottom {\r\n text-align: center;\r\n padding-top: 1rem;\r\n border-top: 1px solid #ccc; \/* Divider above footer bottom *\/\r\n margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.footer-bottom p {\r\n color: #666;\r\n font-size: 12px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n .logo-footer {\r\n padding: 0.5rem;\r\n}\r\n.site-footer-istm {\r\n padding: 10px 10px 5px;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"site-footer-istm\">\r\n <div class=\"container\">\r\n <div class=\"row\">\r\n <div class=\"col-sm footer-logo\">\r\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto d-block logo-footer\" src=\"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ISTM-logo_v3-scaled.png\" alt=\"ISTM2026-Logo\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n <div class=\"col-auto d-none d-sm-block\">\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"col-sm\">\r\n <div class=\"footer-info\">\r\n <h5>The 3<sup>rd<\/sup> International Symposium on Tuberculosis and Mycobacteria: A Multidisciplinary Approach<\/h5>\r\n <p><i class=\"fas fa-phone-alt\"><\/i> TEL : (+66)2-201-5548<\/p>\r\n <p><i class=\"fas fa-envelope\"><\/i> Email : ISTM2026@gmail.com<\/p>\r\n <p><i class=\"fas fa-map-marker-alt\"><\/i> 272 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi\r\nDistrict, Bangkok, Thailand, 10400<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"footer-bottom\">\r\n <p>ISTM 2026 \u00a9 2026. All Rights Reserved<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ISTM Conference Menu ISTM2026 Conference Overview Gallery Speakers Program Sponsorship Scholarship Fees Abstracts Abstract Guidelines Abstract Book Venue Conference Venue Hotel Information Visa Information Registration Abstract Submission Abstracts Upload is still in progress. Invited speakers Taane G. Clark London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK What can \u2019omics tell us about tuberculosis? Tuberculosis, caused […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2684,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_canvas","meta":{"iawp_total_views":63,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4443","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4443","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4443"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4443\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4505,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4443\/revisions\/4505"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2684"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4443"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

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margin: 40px 0;\r\n }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"container\">\r\n\r\n \r\n <div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Taane G. Clark<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"title\">What can \u2019omics tell us about tuberculosis?<\/div>\r\n <p>\r\n Tuberculosis, caused by bacteria in the <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> complex, remains a major\r\n global health challenge, with drug resistance and the absence of an effective vaccine continuing to\r\n hinder control efforts. Advances in sequencing technologies and analytical methods \u2014 including\r\n bioinformatics, data science, and AI \u2014 are transforming the generation and interpretation of \u2019omics data,\r\n enabling the design of improved diagnostics, therapies, and vaccines.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Many countries now use whole-genome and amplicon-based sequencing to characterise circulating \r\n <em>M. tuberculosis<\/em> strains, uncover transmission clusters, and detect genotypic drug-resistance variants,\r\n providing actionable intelligence for clinical settings, surveillance, and infection-control programmes.\r\n Evidence of host\u2013pathogen co-evolution is also driving genome-to-genome studies that seek to pinpoint\r\n genetic interactions shaping disease risk, progression, and treatment outcomes.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This talk will highlight applications of \u2019omics \u2014 particularly genomics and transcriptomics \u2014 across both\r\n host and pathogen, and will discuss emerging opportunities, including the use of AI-driven approaches,\r\n to accelerate insights and deliver tools that support global tuberculosis control.\r\n <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n <div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Christophe Sola<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n IAME, INSERM\u2013Universit\u00e9 Paris-Cit\u00e9, Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Universit\u00e9 Paris-Saclay\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Reconstructing a global evolutionary history of tuberculosis: what are the still unanswered questions?\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n During this presentation we tackle the issue of the global and local history of tuberculosis through\r\n space and time. We provide an up-to-date synthesis on evolutionary issues related to tuberculosis\r\n origin, ecology, and current academic research, focusing on recent results obtained using comparative\r\n genomics of <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> complex (MTBC) infections.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Key questions include: How sure are we that MTBC was a human disease at emergence? How old is the\r\n most recent common ancestor between animal and human MTBC ecotypes? What is the relative importance\r\n of human demography and bacterial transmissibility in the epidemic success of tuberculosis? What kind\r\n of host\u2013pathogen adaptation are we dealing with: co-divergence or co-evolution?\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n After reviewing major paradigm shifts arising from genomic research, this talk highlights the diversity\r\n of unresolved questions and shows how understanding the past of the pandemic may help guide future\r\n strategies to eradicate the disease.\r\n <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n <div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Kiatichai Faksri<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Director, Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (RCEID), \r\n Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand;<br>\r\n Dean, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Application of Genomics and OMICS Approaches for the Diagnosis and Control of \r\n <em>Mycobacterium<\/em> and Related Pathogens\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Tuberculosis (TB) control in high-burden settings such as Thailand requires both precise genomic \r\n surveillance of drug-resistant strains and innovative approaches for population-level screening. \r\n Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB continue to spread, while latent TB \r\n infection (LTBI) remains an underdiagnosed reservoir for future disease.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n To address these challenges, we combined four complementary approaches. First, whole-genome sequencing \r\n (WGS) of MDR\/XDR isolates from hospitals and provincial laboratories nationwide revealed multiple \r\n interprovincial transmission clusters and silent spread of XDR strains, underscoring the urgent need \r\n for cross-province genomic surveillance.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Second, we systematically evaluated and updated the drug-resistance (DR) mutation catalog, identifying \r\n rare variants in second-line drug targets that were absent from existing references but correlated with \r\n phenotypic resistance. This improved the accuracy of mutation-based diagnostics and provided insights \r\n into emerging resistance mechanisms.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Third, we developed <strong>TBLandScape<\/strong>, a national genomic analysis platform incorporating \r\n 3,354 <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> genomes to establish Thailand\u2019s first comprehensive TB genomic \r\n database. The platform integrates drug-resistance prediction, lineage classification, and phylogenetic \r\n analysis through a user-friendly interface equipped with customizable mutation databases, IGV \r\n visualization, and geo-temporal analytics (Phylomap). It supports both short- and long-read sequencing \r\n data, facilitating applications in clinical, surveillance, and research contexts. Validation using \r\n 594 reference samples demonstrated >98% accuracy for lineage and resistance prediction compared with \r\n TB-Profiler, confirming its reliability as a national bioinformatics resource.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Finally, to address the lack of effective LTBI screening tools, we evaluated a label-free \r\n surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) approach using 1,000 plasma samples from Northeast Thailand, \r\n equally divided between IGRA-positive and negative individuals. Raman mapping (7 \u00d7 7 grid) was completed \r\n within 10 minutes per sample. Optimized machine-learning models achieved 81% accuracy in train-test \r\n analysis and 75% in leave-one-out cross-validation across all batches, improving to 93% with optimized \r\n chip design and preprocessing using logistic regression.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Collectively, the integration of genomics, informatics, and AI-enhanced spectroscopy provides a rapid, \r\n scalable framework to strengthen TB diagnosis, surveillance, and LTBI screening \u2014 accelerating \r\n Thailand\u2019s progress toward the End TB Goal.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Amador Goodridge<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n INDICASAT-AIP, City of Knowledge, Panam\u00e1<br>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Endemic transmission of <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> Sublineage L2.2.M3 within Panama\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> lineage 2 (L2) remains a globally significant lineage associated \r\n with increased drug resistance and rapid transmission. The L2 lineage exhibits a hotspot for genetic \r\n diversity and evolution in Panama, requiring in-depth analysis.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n In this talk, we present a prospective analysis of <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> L2 isolates from \r\n Colon City, Panama. Using ASO-PCR, we identified 31.7% (86\/271) of isolates as Modern L2.2. \r\n Whole-genome sequencing confirmed all isolates belonged to the L2.2.1 sublineage, with 96.9% (62\/64) \r\n classified as pan-susceptible and 3.1% (2\/64) as rifampicin\/pyrazinamide-resistant.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Sublineage analysis based on SNPs using the TB-gen tool identified a mutation at position \r\n 1219683G > A, genotyping all strains as the L2.2.M3 sublineage. A correlation with geographical \r\n distribution was observed compared with other Latin American L2 isolates, alongside a relatively \r\n low evolutionary rate within Panama.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Using the TB annotator tool to compare with 1,578 L2.2.M3 strains worldwide, the Panamanian strains \r\n formed a distinct monophyletic cluster within the sublineage. This cluster contained all strains from \r\n Colon Province and three additional strains identified in non-Asian countries. The closest related \r\n branches had higher proportions of drug-resistant strains, primarily from East and Southeast Asia.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Together, these findings suggest endemic transmission of the <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> \r\n L2.2.M3 sublineage in Colon, Panama. We recommend combining genomic information with epidemiological \r\n data to accurately track and identify transmission hotspots locally and globally.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Igor Mokrousov<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Genomic insight into <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> adaptation to external stress \r\n in the in vivo and in vitro models\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p><strong>Full author list:<\/strong> Igor Mokrousov (1), Tatiana Vinogradova (2), Natalia Solovieva (2), \r\n Ivaylo Slavchev (3), Marine Dogonadze (2), Dmitry Polev (1), Georgi Dobrikov (3), Violina T. Angelova (4), \r\n Violeta Valcheva (5), and Anna Vyazovaya (1)<\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n (1) St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia<br>\r\n (2) St. Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, St. Petersburg, Russia<br>\r\n (3) Institute of Organic Chemistry with Center of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria<br>\r\n (4) Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria<br>\r\n (5) Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Different spontaneous mutations emerge in <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em>, and those beneficial for\r\n bacterial survival are selected, leading to drug resistance, tolerance, and persistence. We studied \r\n genetic variation in response to selective pressure from antibiotics and candidate anti-tuberculosis \r\n compounds in both in vivo and in vitro models.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n C57Bl\/6 mice were infected with different MDR clinical strains and treated with moxifloxacin, \r\n linezolid, and bedaquiline. Bacterial isolates were recovered from lungs after 2 and 5.5 months \r\n of treatment. For the in vitro study, the H37Rv reference strain was cultured under elevated \r\n concentrations of new candidate anti-TB compounds (nitrofuranes and aroylhydrazones), and \r\n resistant clones were subjected to whole-genome sequencing.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Treatment reduced bacterial burden in mouse lungs, and no resistance mutations to new drugs emerged. \r\n However, some isolates showed mutations beyond drug resistance. In vitro studies revealed responses \r\n to nitrofuranyl amide via multiple pathways counteracting oxidative and nitrosative stress. Mutations \r\n were also detected in genes linked to drug tolerance and efflux mechanisms.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Long-term treatment of mice infected with a hypervirulent strain resulted in selection of mycobacteria \r\n carrying a mutation inactivating the <em>tgs3<\/em> gene, associated with lipid metabolism and dormancy. \r\n Its inactivation led to increased bacterial growth. The in vitro study highlighted complex responses \r\n to nitrofuranes and aroylhydrazones, with mutations emerging in nonspecific tolerance mechanisms \r\n and stress-response pathways.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n <em>This study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (grant 24-44-00004).<\/em>\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Danila Zimenkov<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n The hidden diversity of <em>Mycobacterium<\/em>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p><strong>Full author list:<\/strong> Danila Zimenkov\u00b9, Anastasia Ushtanit\u00b9, Marina Filippova\u00b9, Uliana Semenova\u00b9,\r\n Vyacheslav Zhuravlev\u00b2, Natalia Solovieva\u00b2, Peter Yablonsky\u00b2, Maria Sviridenko\u00b3, Anastasia Khakhalina\u00b3,\r\n Svetlana Safonova\u00b3, Marina Makarova\u00b3, Elizaveta Gordeeva\u2074, Elena Guselnikova\u2074, Yakov Schwartz\u2074,\r\n Natalia Stavitskaya\u2074, Yuliana Atanasova\u2075, Stanislava Yordanova\u2075, Ana Baykova\u2075, Elizabeta Bachiyska\u2075,\r\n Igor Mokrousov\u2076<\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n \u00b9 Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia<br>\r\n \u00b2 Saint-Petersburg State Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Russia<br>\r\n \u00b3 Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Tuberculosis Control, Russia<br>\r\n \u2074 Novosibirsk TB Research Institute, Russia<br>\r\n \u2075 National Reference Laboratory of Tuberculosis, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria<br>\r\n \u2076 St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria are becoming increasingly significant due to the\r\n growing number of vulnerable individuals worldwide. Understanding evolutionary relationships within\r\n the genus <em>Mycobacterium<\/em> is critical for improving species identification and enhancing diagnosis,\r\n treatment, and epidemiological tracking.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Comparative genomic analyses using average nucleotide identity, genome\u2013genome distance, Mash\r\n values, multilocus sequence analysis, and average amino acid identity (AAI) demonstrated that AAI is\r\n the most effective metric for distinguishing <em>Mycobacterium<\/em> from other genera of Mycobacteriales,\r\n producing phylogenetic trees with minimal topology error.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Genes encoding 16S and 23S rRNAs also supported genus delineation. The established 94.5\u201395.0%\r\n identity threshold for the rrs gene was confirmed, while an analogous threshold of 88.5\u201389.0% was\r\n estimated for the rrl gene.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n These findings do not support the proposed division of <em>Mycobacterium<\/em> into five genera. However,\r\n AAI distance distribution suggests the potential existence of a separate genus corresponding to the\r\n <em>M. chelonae\u2013abscessus<\/em> complex, though this remains uncertain and requires clinical considerations.\r\n Overall, at least 402 distinct mycobacterial species were identified, 246 of which have been detected in\r\n clinical human specimens.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n A gyrB fragment\u2013based hybridization assay (\u201cMyco-biochip\u201d) was developed and evaluated in clinical\r\n antituberculosis centres in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Sofia between 2022 and 2024.\r\n In total, 71 mycobacterial species were identified across 3,119 samples from 2,221 patients in Russia\r\n and 48 samples from 48 patients in Bulgaria. Laboratory testing confirmed reliable identification of more\r\n than 80 species.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Four novel mycobacterial species related to <em>M. duvalii<\/em>, <em>M. lentiflavum<\/em>, <em>M. talmoniae<\/em>, and\r\n <em>M. iranicum<\/em> were identified across multiple sites. The discovery of a close relative of\r\n <em>M. talmoniae<\/em> supports the existence of a distinct clade positioned between <em>M. terrae<\/em>,\r\n <em>M. triviale<\/em>, and other slow-growing mycobacteria, further arguing against splitting the genus.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Acid-fast bacilli identified in tuberculosis-suspected patients were not limited to <em>Mycobacterium<\/em>,\r\n but also included species from <em>Nocardia<\/em>, <em>Gordonia<\/em>, <em>Corynebacterium<\/em>, <em>Tsukamurella<\/em>,\r\n and <em>Rhodococcus<\/em> within the order Mycobacteriales. These findings highlight the importance of\r\n accurate species identification and genotyping for epidemiology, public health strategy, and improved\r\n diagnostic and treatment approaches.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Nawamin Pinpathomrat<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, \r\n Prince of Songkla University, Thailand\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n TB vaccine platforms and delivering system\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p><strong>Full author list:<\/strong> Ratchanon Sophonmanee\u00b9, Elena Stylianou\u00b2, Helen McShane\u00b2, \r\n Nawamin Pinpathomrat\u00b9*<\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n \u00b9 Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand<br>\r\n \u00b2 The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world\u2019s leading infectious causes of mortality, underscoring the\r\n urgent need for more effective and durable vaccines beyond the century-old Bacille Calmette\u2013Gu\u00e9rin\r\n (BCG). Advances in immunology, molecular biology, and biomaterials have accelerated the development\r\n of next-generation TB vaccine platforms designed to induce robust, long-lasting, and tissue-specific\r\n immunity.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This talk provides an overview of emerging TB vaccine platforms, including live-attenuated and\r\n recombinant mycobacterial vaccines, viral-vectored vaccines, protein subunit vaccines with novel\r\n adjuvants, and nucleic acid\u2013based approaches such as mRNA vaccines.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Equally critical to vaccine efficacy is the delivery system, which governs antigen presentation,\r\n immune polarization, dose-sparing potential, and scalability. The presentation will explore innovative\r\n delivery strategies including lipid nanoparticle systems, viral and non-viral vectors, and skin-targeted\r\n delivery methods such as microneedle arrays that leverage the high density of antigen-presenting cells\r\n in the dermis.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Special emphasis will be placed on tailoring delivery platforms to enhance cellular immunity,\r\n particularly Th1 and CD8\u207a T-cell responses, which are central to protection against\r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em>.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n By integrating advances in vaccine platform design with optimized delivery technologies, this talk\r\n highlights a translational pathway toward more effective TB vaccination strategies. Key challenges in\r\n clinical development, manufacturing, and implementation in high-burden settings will also be\r\n discussed, outlining future directions for TB vaccine innovation in the era of precision vaccinology.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Qian Gao<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Molecular Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in China\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This study aimed to clarify tuberculosis (TB) transmission patterns \u2014 including recent transmission\r\n versus endogenous reactivation \u2014 as well as identify high-risk groups and transmission hotspots in\r\n urban and rural China using genomic epidemiological methods. Whole-genome sequencing combined\r\n with epidemiological investigation was applied to generate evidence for optimizing TB control\r\n strategies in high-burden settings.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Conducted from 2009 to 2023 across urban sites in Shanghai Songjiang and Shenzhen Longhua, and\r\n rural sites in Sichuan Wusheng, Heilongjiang Wuchang, and Henan Linzhou, the study defined recent\r\n transmission as \u226412 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of 2,212 urban and 2,418 rural\r\n culture-positive pulmonary TB patients were analyzed.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Findings revealed marked urban\u2013rural disparities in TB transmission. Urban areas showed relatively\r\n low recent transmission clustering rates (25.2% in Songjiang and 15.4% in Longhua), with 70\u201374.7% of\r\n patients being migrants. Transmission occurred mainly within migrant populations (61%) and local\r\n residents (17%), with unmanaged migrants identified as major sources of infection. Approximately\r\n 70% of migrants developed TB within two years of arriving in cities, and transmission risk declined\r\n significantly with increasing spatial distance.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Rural areas demonstrated higher clustering rates (26.9\u201344.7%), with\r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> predominantly belonging to lineage L2 (72.8%). Close contacts\r\n accounted for 42% of cases, while students showed a 3.84\u20134.82-fold higher clustering risk. Transmission\r\n patterns also varied across geographical regions.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n The study indicates that TB transmission in high-burden areas is largely driven by recent transmission,\r\n although clustering may be underestimated due to sequencing limitations and population mobility.\r\n Models focused solely on high-risk groups from developed countries may not be directly applicable to\r\n China.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Active case finding remains central to TB control, requiring context-specific identification of high-risk\r\n groups and hotspots. Strengthening migrant health management, student protection, and monitoring of\r\n high-density gathering settings will be essential to reduce community transmission and improve TB\r\n control outcomes.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Katsushi Tokunaga<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Genome Medical Science Project, National Institute of Global Health, Japan Institute for Health Security, Tokyo, Japan\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Genomic approach to infectious diseases\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n We have recently conducted several human whole-genome sequencing (WGS) projects and investigated\r\n human genomic variation associated with a wide range of diseases, including infectious diseases.\r\n Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and high-resolution typing of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)\r\n genes were performed to identify genetic factors influencing disease susceptibility, drug response,\r\n and vaccine response.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n One notable finding involves interactions between pathogen genomes and the human genome. Interactive\r\n effects between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomic mutations and human HLA genes were identified, where\r\n specific combinations of HBV variants and HLA-DPB1 alleles were associated with increased risk of\r\n progression from chronic hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Both high and low responses to HB vaccination were significantly associated with specific HLA-DRB1\r\n alleles. Associations were also observed between adverse effects following COVID-19 vaccination and\r\n human genetic variation, including variants in the IL1RL1\/IL18R1\/IL18RAP region and in HLA genes.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n We also present findings on interactions between tuberculosis lineages and human genomic variation.\r\n In addition, we contribute to the \u201cInfectious Disease Clinical Research Network with National\r\n Repository\u201d by performing whole-genome sequencing of patient samples.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Surakameth Mahasirimongkol<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n The Dual-Genome Strategy: Operationalizing Host Genetics (NAT2) and Pathogen WGS to Reduce TB Mortality and Transmission\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n While global TB control strategies have historically focused on the genome of \r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em>, the genetic architecture of the human host remains an overlooked \r\n factor in determining clinical outcomes. Achieving End TB targets requires integrating host genetic \r\n profiling alongside pathogen surveillance.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This presentation highlights the urgent implementation of pharmacogenomics (PGx) to mitigate \r\n drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a major cause of treatment interruption and mortality. Particular \r\n focus is placed on NAT2 (<em>N-acetyltransferase 2<\/em>), where slow acetylator alleles common in \r\n Southeast Asian populations can lead to toxic accumulation during standard isoniazid dosing. The role \r\n of rapid acetylators in increased mortality, particularly among HIV-infected TB patients, is also \r\n explored.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Beyond treatment toxicity, host susceptibility is examined through pathogen\u2013host co-evolution.\r\n Lineage-specific genetic risk is highlighted, including associations between HLA-DRB1*09 and\r\n susceptibility to Lineage 2 (Beijing family) strains, and CD53 variants linked to Lineage 1\r\n (Indo-Oceanic) infection. These findings suggest that host immune responses are often dependent on\r\n the infecting strain.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n The study integrates host susceptibility data with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of\r\n <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em> to map transmission dynamics. WGS enables detection of cryptic\r\n outbreak clusters and differentiation between recent transmission and reactivation. Overlaying host\r\n genetic risk onto WGS-defined transmission networks helps identify high-risk transmission nodes\r\n where specific host\u2013pathogen combinations accelerate community spread.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n A \u201cDual-Genome Triage\u201d model is proposed, combining regional NAT2 genotyping with pathogen WGS to\r\n stratify patients into standard versus precision dosing pathways while simultaneously disrupting\r\n transmission chains. This host-informed, pathogen-aware approach represents a key step toward\r\n reducing preventable deaths and advancing TB elimination efforts.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p><strong>Keywords:<\/strong> Host Genetics, NAT2, Pharmacogenomics, HLA-DRB1, CD53, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Taisei Mushiroda<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Japan\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n Toward Patient-Centered, Stratified Tuberculosis Treatment Through Pharmacogenomics\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Isoniazid (INH) is primarily metabolized by N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), and individuals with the\r\n slow acetylator (SA) genotype have a higher risk of developing INH-induced liver injury compared\r\n with rapid acetylators (RA). NAT2 genetic testing enables prediction of both drug efficacy and the\r\n risk of adverse drug reactions even before initiating tuberculosis (TB) treatment.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n In the Thai population\u2014where the frequency of NAT2 slow acetylators is higher than in Japanese\r\n populations\u2014the importance of establishing TB treatment regimens based on preemptive NAT2 testing\r\n is particularly significant. The Thai National Tuberculosis Control Programme Guideline (2018 edition)\r\n states that INH dosage adjustment based on NAT2 test results is possible for patients who develop\r\n INH-induced liver injury.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n This recommendation is based on retrospective studies conducted through long-term collaboration\r\n between the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, and Japanese\r\n research teams. However, the relatively low level of evidence compared with prospective studies,\r\n along with the focus on liver injury risk alone, has limited widespread adoption of NAT2 testing in\r\n Thailand.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Recently, cohort studies conducted in Thailand reported that among 1,065 TB patients treated with\r\n INH, rapid acetylators (n = 198) had a 1.7-fold higher one-year all-cause mortality compared with\r\n intermediate acetylators (n = 490) (95% CI: 1.03\u20132.80, P = 0.04). These findings suggest that a\r\n stratified treatment strategy incorporating INH dose adjustment based on NAT2 genotype may improve\r\n outcomes in TB patients.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Further evaluation through prospective clinical trials is expected to strengthen evidence for the\r\n clinical utility of NAT2 testing and support wider implementation of pharmacogenomics-guided TB\r\n treatment.\r\n <\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"talk-card\">\r\n <div class=\"speaker\">Margarita Shleeva<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"affiliation\">\r\n Federal Research Centre \u201cFundamentals of Biotechnology\u201d, Russian Academy of Sciences<br>\r\n Moscow, Russia\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"title\">\r\n A Novel Biochemical Reaction in Mycobacteria: Coproporphyrin III Tetramethyl Ester Synthesis and Its Adaptation Significance\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"authors\">\r\n <strong>Authors:<\/strong><br>\r\n Margarita Shleeva<sup>1<\/sup>, Daria Bagaeva<sup>1<\/sup>, Galina Demina<sup>1<\/sup>, Maria Khrenova<sup>1,2<\/sup>,<br>\r\n Michael Agaphonov<sup>1<\/sup>, Alexander Savitsky<sup>1<\/sup>, Arseny Kaprelyants<sup>1<\/sup>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"institutions\">\r\n <sup>1<\/sup>A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Centre \u201cFundamentals of Biotechnology\u201d,<br>\r\n Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia<br>\r\n <sup>2<\/sup>Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Mycobacteria such as <em>Mycobacterium smegmatis<\/em> and <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis<\/em>\r\n exhibit remarkable persistence and survival strategies, particularly during the transition to dormancy.\r\n This state is characterized by the accumulation of tetramethyl coproporphyrin III (TMC) within cellular\r\n membranes.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Using fluorescence anisotropy with BODIPY FL C16 probes, we observed a significant decrease in\r\n membrane fluidity in dormant cells (anisotropy increasing from 0.05 to 0.22). Increased TMC levels,\r\n induced by 5-aminolevulinic acid in viable cells, similarly reduced membrane fluidity and inhibited\r\n respiratory chain activity, as shown by decreased oxygen consumption and reduced DCPIP redox\r\n acceptor activity.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n Upon reactivation, both porphyrin content and membrane fluidity returned to viable levels within\r\n 8 hours. We identified two novel mycobacterial methyltransferases, MSMEG_0614 and Rv0281,\r\n which catalyze S-adenosyl-L-methionine\u2013dependent conversion of coproporphyrin into TMC through\r\n sequential methylation.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n A deletion mutant of MSMEG_0614 in <em>M. smegmatis<\/em> showed significantly reduced TMC levels\r\n during dormancy, while overexpression increased intracellular TMC, inhibited respiration, and enhanced\r\n resistance to heat shock (90-fold) and oxidative stress (7-fold).\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n <p>\r\n These findings reveal a novel porphyrin modification pathway that contributes to mycobacterial\r\n dormancy and stress tolerance, offering new insights into pathogen survival mechanisms.\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\nThe work was carried out within the Russian Science Foundation grant 24-15-00221.\r\n<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c1904f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c1904f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-13f87a8 elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"13f87a8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a368a87\" data-id=\"a368a87\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28b5226 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"28b5226\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<link\r\n href=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/bootstrap@5.3.3\/dist\/css\/bootstrap.min.css\"\r\n rel=\"stylesheet\"\r\n\/>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n.site-footer-istm {\r\n background-color: #e7f0f1;\r\n padding: 40px 20px 5px;\r\n font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\r\n color: #2e3e5e;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.site-footer-istm h5 {\r\n color: #2e3e5e;\r\n padding-right: 5rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.footer-logo img {\r\n max-height: 170px;\r\n margin-top: 0rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.footer-bottom {\r\n text-align: center;\r\n padding-top: 1rem;\r\n border-top: 1px solid #ccc; \/* Divider above footer bottom *\/\r\n margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.footer-bottom p {\r\n color: #666;\r\n font-size: 12px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n .logo-footer {\r\n padding: 0.5rem;\r\n}\r\n.site-footer-istm {\r\n padding: 10px 10px 5px;\r\n}\r\n}\r\n\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"site-footer-istm\">\r\n <div class=\"container\">\r\n <div class=\"row\">\r\n <div class=\"col-sm footer-logo\">\r\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto d-block logo-footer\" src=\"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/ISTM-logo_v3-scaled.png\" alt=\"ISTM2026-Logo\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n <div class=\"col-auto d-none d-sm-block\">\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"col-sm\">\r\n <div class=\"footer-info\">\r\n <h5>The 3<sup>rd<\/sup> International Symposium on Tuberculosis and Mycobacteria: A Multidisciplinary Approach<\/h5>\r\n <p><i class=\"fas fa-phone-alt\"><\/i> TEL : (+66)2-201-5548<\/p>\r\n <p><i class=\"fas fa-envelope\"><\/i> Email : ISTM2026@gmail.com<\/p>\r\n <p><i class=\"fas fa-map-marker-alt\"><\/i> 272 Rama VI Road, Ratchathewi\r\nDistrict, Bangkok, Thailand, 10400<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n <div class=\"footer-bottom\">\r\n <p>ISTM 2026 \u00a9 2026. All Rights Reserved<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ISTM Conference Menu ISTM2026 Conference Overview Gallery Speakers Program Sponsorship Scholarship Fees Abstracts Abstract Guidelines Abstract Book Venue Conference Venue Hotel Information Visa Information Registration Abstract Submission Abstracts Upload is still in progress. Invited speakers Taane G. Clark London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK What can \u2019omics tell us about tuberculosis? Tuberculosis, caused […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2684,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_canvas","meta":{"iawp_total_views":63,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4443","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4443","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4443"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4443\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4505,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4443\/revisions\/4505"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2684"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/microbiology.sc.mahidol.ac.th\/cenmig\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4443"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}