01229nas a2200157   4500000000100000008004100001260001600042100001600058700001600074700001300090245005700103300001000160490000700170520088000177022001401057       2014                            d  c2014 Jan 161 aMarrakchi H1 aLanéelle M1 aDaffé M00aMycolic acids: structures, biosynthesis, and beyond.  a67-850 v213 aMycolic acids are major and specific lipid components of the mycobacterial cell envelope and are essential for the survival of members of the genus Mycobacterium that contains the causative agents of both tuberculosis and leprosy. In the alarming context of the emergence of multidrug-resistant, extremely drug-resistant, and totally drug-resistant tuberculosis, understanding the biosynthesis of these critical determinants of the mycobacterial physiology is an important goal to achieve, because it may open an avenue for the development of novel antimycobacterial agents. This review focuses on the chemistry, structures, and known inhibitors of mycolic acids and describes progress in deciphering the mycolic acid biosynthetic pathway. The functional and key biological roles of these molecules are also discussed, providing a historical perspective in this dynamic area.  a1879-1301