This paper applied a very powerful and relatively new technology (transcriptome analysis by whole genome microarray) to leading hypothesis about TB latency—that a lack of oxygen drives the bacteria into a state of non-replicating persistence—for which supporting data were sketchy.

Tuberculosis kills about two million people each year, and TB latency contributes significantly to that dreadful situation. TB latency is poorly understood, but one trigger of bacterial latency may be a lack of oxygen at certain sites in the body. This paper described a set of

bacterial genes involved in adapting to persistence under reduced oxygen conditions, and identified the bacterial regulator that drives this adaptation. As a result, we are in a much better position to understand and potentially combat TB latency.

I've always been attracted to questions of how cells adapt to changing conditions. In addition, I've always tried to work on problems with a direct, tangible link to public health—even if I never do anything practical myself!