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Luo D, Luo H, Yan X, Lei A, He J, Liao Y, Peng K, Li X, Ye Y, Chen L, Zeng Z, Xiao H, Zeng Y. Mycoplasma genitalium Protein of Adhesion Suppresses T Cell Activation via CypA-CaN-NFAT Pathway. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0450322. [PMID: 37074201 PMCID: PMC10269615 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04503-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is a prokaryotic microorganism that causes urogenital tract infections. M. genitalium protein of adhesion (MgPa) was essential for M. genitalium attachment and subsequent invasion into host cells. Our prior research confirmed that Cyclophilin A (CypA) was the binding receptor for MgPa and MgPa-CypA interaction can lead to the production of inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we revealed that the recombinant MgPa (rMgPa) could inhibit the CaN-NFAT signaling pathway to reduce the level of IFN-γ, IL-2, CD25, and CD69 in Jurkat cells by binding to the CypA receptor. Moreover, rMgPa inhibited the expressions of IFN-γ, IL-2, CD25, and CD69 in primary mouse T cells. Likewise, the expressions of these T cells activation-related molecules in CypA-siRNA-transfected cells and CypA-/- mouse primary T cell was strengthened by rMgPa. These findings showed that rMgPa suppressed T cell activation by downregulating the CypA-CaN-NFAT pathway, and as a result, acted as an immunosuppressive agent. IMPORTANCE Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted bacterium that can co-infect with other infections and causes nongonococcal urethritis in males, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, premature birth, and ectopic pregnancy in women. The adhesion protein of M. genitalium (MgPa) is the primary virulence factor in the complicated pathogenicity of M. genitalium. This research proved that MgPa could interact with host cell Cyclophilin A (CypA) and prevent T cell activation by inhibiting Calcineurin (CaN) phosphorylation and NFAT nuclear translocation, which clarified the immunosuppression mechanism of M. genitalium to host T cells. Therefore, this study can provide a new idea that CypA can be used for a therapeutic or prophylactic target for M. genitalium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Haodang Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoliang Yan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Aihua Lei
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yating Liao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Kailan Peng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xia Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Youyuan Ye
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuo Zeng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Hua Xiao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yanhua Zeng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Basic Medical School, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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2
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Zhang X, Bi L, Gentekaki E, Zhao J, Shen P, Zhang Q. Culture-Independent Single-Cell PacBio Sequencing Reveals Epibiotic Variovorax and Nucleus Associated Mycoplasma in the Microbiome of the Marine Benthic Protist Geleia sp. YT (Ciliophora, Karyorelictea). Microorganisms 2023; 11:1500. [PMID: 37375002 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbes in marine sediments constitute up to five-sixths of the planet's total biomass, but their diversity is little explored, especially for those forming associations with unicellular protists. Heterotrophic ciliates are among the most dominant and diversified marine benthic protists and comprise hotspot niches of bacterial colonization. To date, studies using culture-independent single-cell approaches to explore microbiomes of marine benthic ciliates in nature are almost absent, even for the most ubiquitous species. Here, we characterize the major bacterial groups associated with a representative marine benthic ciliate, Geleia sp. YT, collected directly from the coastal zone of Yantai, China. PacBio sequencing of the nearly full-length 16Sr RNA genes was performed on single cells of Geleia. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with genus-specific probes was further applied to locate the dominant bacterial groups. We identified a Variovorax-like bacterium as the major epibiotic symbiont residing in the kineties of the ciliate host. We provide evidence of a nucleus-associated bacterium related to the human pathogen Mycoplasma, which appeared prevalently in the local populations of Geleia sp. YT for 4 months. The most abundant bacterial taxa associated with Geleia sp. YT likely represent its core microbiome, hinting at the important roles of the ciliate-bacteria consortium in the marine benthos. Overall, this work has contributed to the knowledge of the diversity of life in the enigmatic marine benthic ciliate and its symbioses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Zhang
- School of Ocean, Yantai University, Yantai 264003, China
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Luping Bi
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
- Gut Microbiome Research Group, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Pingping Shen
- School of Ocean, Yantai University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
- Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
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3
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Wood GE, Bradshaw CS, Manhart LE. Update in Epidemiology and Management of Mycoplasma genitalium Infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023; 37:311-333. [PMID: 37105645 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is a frequent cause of urogenital syndromes in men and women and is associated with adverse sequelae in women. M genitalium also infects the rectum, and may cause proctitis, but rarely infects the pharynx. Diagnosis requires nucleic acid amplification testing. Antibiotic resistance is widespread: more than half of infections are resistant to macrolides and fluoroquinolone resistance is increasing. Resistance-guided therapy is recommended for symptomatic patients, involving initial treatment with doxycycline to reduce organism load followed by azithromycin for macrolide-sensitive infections or moxifloxacin for macrolide-resistant infections. Neither screening nor tests of cure are recommended in asymptomatic persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn E Wood
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Center for AIDS and STD, Box 359779, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Central Clinical School, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa E Manhart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Center for AIDS and STD, Box 359931, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
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4
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Yueyue W, Feichen X, Yixuan X, Lu L, Yiwen C, Xiaoxing Y. Pathogenicity and virulence of Mycoplasma genitalium: Unraveling Ariadne's Thread. Virulence 2022; 13:1161-1183. [PMID: 35791283 PMCID: PMC9262362 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2095741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium, a pathogen from class Mollicutes, has been linked to sexually transmitted diseases and sparked widespread concern. To adapt to its environment, M. genitalium has evolved specific adhesins and motility mechanisms that allow it to adhere to and invade various eukaryotic cells, thereby causing severe damage to the cells. Even though traditional exotoxins have not been identified, secreted nucleases or membrane lipoproteins have been shown to cause cell death and inflammatory injury in M. genitalium infection. However, as both innate and adaptive immune responses are important for controlling infection, the immune responses that develop upon infection do not necessarily eliminate the organism completely. Antigenic variation, detoxifying enzymes, immunoglobulins, neutrophil extracellular trap-degrading enzymes, cell invasion, and biofilm formation are important factors that help the pathogen overcome the host defence and cause chronic infections in susceptible individuals. Furthermore, M. genitalium can increase the susceptibility to several sexually transmitted pathogens, which significantly complicates the persistence and chronicity of M. genitalium infection. This review aimed to discuss the virulence factors of M. genitalium to shed light on its complex pathogenicity and pathogenesis of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Yueyue
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiu Feichen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xi Yixuan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Liu Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Chen Yiwen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - You Xiaoxing
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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5
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Dhawan B, Raj JS, Rawre J, Dhawan N, Khanna N. Mycoplasma genitalium: A new superbug. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2022; 43:1-12. [PMID: 35846530 PMCID: PMC9282694 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_103_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen. It is an important cause of nongonococcal urethritis in men and is associated with cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease in women, putting them at risk of infertility. Multiple factors that aid pathogenesis of MG include its ability of adhesion, gliding motility, and intracellular invasion by means of the tip organelle. Through intracellular localization and antigenic variation, MG could result in treatment-resistant chronic infection. There are limited data on the prevalence of MG in Indian patients with urogenital syndromes. Recently, a high prevalence of extra genital infection with MG has been reported. Molecular assays are the major diagnostic techniques of MG infection. Antimicrobial agents such as macrolides, along with fluoroquinolones, are the treatment of choice for MG infections. The issue of drug resistance to azithromycin and fluoroquinolones in MG is rising globally. As molecular tests are becoming available for MG, both for the diagnosis and the detection of antimicrobial resistance, any patient with MG infection should then be tested for antimicrobial resistance. Consideration of MG as a cause of sexually transmitted disease in the Indian population is crucial in diagnostic algorithms and treatment strategies. The purpose of this review is to understand the prevalence of MG in different clinical scenarios, molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, current status of antimicrobial resistance, and its impact on MG treatment.
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Mycoplasma genitalium Protein of Adhesion Promotes the Early Proliferation of Human Urothelial Cells by Interacting with RPL35. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111449. [PMID: 34832605 PMCID: PMC8621731 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is a newly recognized pathogen associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). MgPa, the adhesion protein of Mycoplasma genitalium, is the main adhesin and the key factor for M. genitalium interacting with host cells. Currently, the long-term survival mechanism of M. genitalium in the host is not clear. In this study, a T7 phage-displayed human urothelial cell (SV-HUC-1) cDNA library was constructed, and the interaction of MgPa was screened from this library using the recombinant MgPa (rMgPa) as a target molecule. We verified that 60S ribosomal protein L35 (RPL35) can interact with MgPa using far-Western blot and co-localization analysis. According to the results of tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and proteome quantitative analysis, there were altogether 407 differentially expressed proteins between the pcDNA3.1(+)/MgPa-transfected cells and non-transfected cells, of which there were 6 downregulated proteins and 401 upregulated proteins. The results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that interaction between rMgPa and RPL35 could promote the expressions of EIF2, SRP68, SERBP1, RPL35A, EGF, and TGF-β. 3-(4,5)-Dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide bromide (MTT) assays corroborated that the interaction between rMgPa and RPL35 could promote SV-HUC-1 cell proliferation. Therefore, our findings indicated that the interaction between rMgPa and RPL35 can enhance the expressions of transcription-initiation and translation-related proteins and thus promote cell proliferation. This study elucidates a new biological function of MgPa and can explain this new mechanism of M. genitalium in the host.
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7
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Daubenspeck JM, Totten AH, Needham J, Feng M, Balish MF, Atkinson TP, Dybvig K. Mycoplasma genitalium Biofilms Contain Poly-GlcNAc and Contribute to Antibiotic Resistance. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:585524. [PMID: 33193233 PMCID: PMC7652822 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.585524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is an important etiologic agent of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), known for chronicity and multidrug resistance, in which biofilms may play an integral role. In some bacterial species capable of forming biofilms, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) composed of poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG) are a crucial component of the matrix. Monosaccharide analysis of M. genitalium strains revealed high abundance of GlcNAc, suggesting a biofilm-specific EPS. Chromatograms also showed high concentrations of galactose and glucose as observed in other mycoplasma species. Fluorescence microscopy of M. genitalium biofilms utilizing fluor-coupled lectins revealed differential staining of biofilm structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed increasing maturation over time of bacterial “towers” seen in biofilm development. As seen with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, organisms within fully mature M. genitalium biofilms exhibited loss of cell polarization. Bacteria associated with disrupted biofilms exhibited decreased dose-dependent viability after treatment with antibiotics compared to bacteria with intact biofilms. In addition, growth index analysis demonstrated decreases in metabolism in cultures with disrupted biofilms with antibiotic treatment. Taken together, these data suggest that M. genitalium biofilms are a contributing factor in antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Daubenspeck
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Arthur H Totten
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jason Needham
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Monica Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Mitchell F Balish
- Department of Microbiology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - T Prescott Atkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kevin Dybvig
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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8
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van der Schalk TE, Braam JF, Kusters JG. Molecular basis of antimicrobial resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 55:105911. [PMID: 31991219 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.105911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted urogenital pathogen, and infection can result in serious symptoms. As M. genitalium is rather difficult to culture, infections are usually detected by molecular methods. Unfortunately, there has recently been a significant increase in resistance to azithromycin and moxifloxacin used for the treatment of M. genitalium infections. The increased resistance to (often empirically prescribed) M. genitalium treatments has resulted in frequent therapy failures and stresses the need for routine detection of antimicrobial resistance. In M. genitalium, antimicrobial resistance is almost always the result of DNA mutations and thus can easily be detected by molecular techniques. Regrettably, many microbiology laboratories do not use molecular techniques for the detection of bacterial antimicrobial resistance. As molecular tests are becoming available for M. genitalium, both for the establishment of infection and the detection of antimicrobial resistance, it is now more important to ensure that knowledge on the resistance mechanisms is transferred from the laboratory to the clinician. This review will provide a brief summary of the current status of antimicrobial resistance, its molecular mechanisms and the impact on the current status of M. genitalium treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E van der Schalk
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joyce F Braam
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes G Kusters
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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9
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Qin L, Chen Y, You X. Subversion of the Immune Response by Human Pathogenic Mycoplasmas. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1934. [PMID: 31497004 PMCID: PMC6712165 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas are a large group of prokaryotes which is believed to be originated from Gram-positive bacteria via degenerative evolution, and mainly capable of causing a wide range of human and animal infections. Although innate immunity and adaptive immunity play crucial roles in preventing mycoplasma infection, immune response that develops after infection fails to completely eliminate this bacterium under certain circumstances. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that mycoplasmas employ some mechanisms to deal with coercion of host defense system. In this review, we will highlight and provide a comprehensive overview of immune evasion strategies that have emerged in mycoplasma infection, which can be divided into four aspects: (i) Molecular mimicry and antigenic variation on the surface of the bacteria to evade the immune surveillance; (ii) Overcoming the immune effector molecules assaults: Induction of detoxified enzymes to degradation of reactive oxygen species; Expression of nucleases to degrade the neutrophil extracellular traps to avoid killing by Neutrophil; Capture and cleavage of immunoglobulins to evade humoral immune response; (iii) Persistent survival: Invading into the host cell to escape the immune damage; Formation of a biofilm to establish a persistent infection; (iv) Modulation of the immune system to down-regulate the intensity of immune response. All of these features increase the probability of mycoplasma survival in the host and lead to a persistent, chronic infections. A profound understanding on the mycoplasma to subvert the immune system will help us to better understand why mycoplasma is so difficult to eradicate and ultimately provide new insights on the development of therapeutic regimens against this bacterium in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianmei Qin
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaoxing You
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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10
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Chamberlain NB, Mehari YT, Hayes BJ, Roden CM, Kidane DT, Swehla AJ, Lorenzana-DeWitt MA, Farone AL, Gunderson JH, Berk SG, Farone MB. Infection and nuclear interaction in mammalian cells by 'Candidatus Berkiella cookevillensis', a novel bacterium isolated from amoebae. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:91. [PMID: 31072343 PMCID: PMC6507137 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1457-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Candidatus Berkiella cookevillensis' and 'Ca. Berkiella aquae' have previously been described as intranuclear bacteria of amoebae. Both bacteria were isolated from amoebae and were described as appearing within the nuclei of Acanthamoeba polyphaga and ultimately lysing their host cells within 4 days. Both bacteria are Gammaproteobacteria in the order Legionellales with the greatest similarity to Coxiella burnetii. Neither bacterium grows axenically in artificial culture media. In this study, we further characterized 'Ca. B. cookevillensis' by demonstrating association with nuclei of human phagocytic and nonphagocytic cell lines. RESULTS Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal microscopy were used to confirm nuclear co-localization of 'Ca. B. cookevillensis' in the amoeba host A. polyphaga with 100% of cells having bacteria co-localized with host nuclei by 48 h. TEM and confocal microscopy demonstrated that the bacterium was also observed to be closely associated with nuclei of human U937 and THP-1 differentiated macrophage cell lines and nonphagocytic HeLa human epithelial-like cells. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that the bacteria-containing vacuole invaginates the nuclear membranes and appears to cross from the cytoplasm into the nucleus as an intact vacuole. CONCLUSION Results of this study indicate that a novel coccoid bacterium isolated from amoebae can infect human cell lines by associating with the host cell nuclei, either by crossing the nuclear membranes or by deeply invaginating the nuclear membranes. When associated with the nuclei, the bacteria appear to be bound within a vacuole and replicate to high numbers by 48 h. We believe this is the first report of such a process involving bacteria and human cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas B Chamberlain
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA.,Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
| | - Yohannes T Mehari
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA.,Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
| | - B Jason Hayes
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
| | - Colleen M Roden
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
| | - Destaalem T Kidane
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA.,Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
| | - Andrew J Swehla
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
| | - Mario A Lorenzana-DeWitt
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
| | - Anthony L Farone
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA.,Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
| | - John H Gunderson
- Department of Biology, Tennessee Technological University, 1 William L Jones Dr, Cookeville, TN, 38505, USA
| | - Sharon G Berk
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA
| | - Mary B Farone
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA. .,Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 E. Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37130, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Background The origin of cancer cells is the most fundamental yet unresolved problem in cancer research. Cancer cells are thought to be transformed from the normal cells. However, recent studies reveal that the primary cancer cells (PCCs) for cancer initiation and secondary cancer cells (SCCs) for cancer progression are formed in but not transformed from the senescent normal and cancer cells, respectively. Nevertheless, the cellular mechanism of PCCs/SCCs formation is unclear. Here, based on the evidences (1) the nascent PCCs/SCCs are small and organelle-less resembling bacteria; (2) our finding that the cyanobacterium TDX16 acquires its algal host DNA and turns into a new alga TDX16-DE by de novo organelle biogenesis, and (3) PCCs/SCCs formations share striking similarities with TDX16 development and transition, we propose the bacterial origin of cancer cells (BOCC). Presentation of the hypothesis The intracellular bacteria take up the DNAs of the senescent/necrotic normal cells/PCCs and then develop into PCCs/SCCs by hybridizing the acquired DNAs with their own ones and expressing the hybrid genomes. Testing the hypothesis BOCC can be confirmed by testing BOCC-based predictions, such as normal cells with no intracellular bacteria can not "transform" into cancer cells in any conditions. Implications of the hypothesis According to BOCC theory: (1) cancer cells are new single-celled eukaryotes, which is why the hallmarks of cancer are mostly the characteristics of protists; (2) genetic changes and instabilities are not the causes, but the consequences of cancer cell formation; and (3) the common role of carcinogens, infectious agents and relating factors is inducing or related to cellular senescence rather than mutations. Therefore, BOCC theory provides new rationale and direction for cancer research, prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Lin Dong
- Department of Bioengineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130 China
| | - Xiang-Ying Xing
- Department of Bioengineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, 300130 China
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12
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Zuo L, Sun H, Yu M, You X, Zeng Y, Wu Y. Mycoplasma genitaliumlipoproteins inhibit tumour necrosis factor α-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2018.1523688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zuo
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, PR China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, PR China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, PR China
| | - Hedong Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, PR China
| | - Minjun Yu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, PR China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, PR China
| | - Xiaoxing You
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, PR China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, PR China
| | - Yanhua Zeng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, PR China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, PR China
| | - Yimou Wu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, PR China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, PR China
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13
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Dai P, Zhu Y, You X, Deng X, Zhu C, Chen L, Li L, Luo D, Zeng Y. Screening and Identification of the Binding Peptides of Mycoplasma genitalium Protein of Adhesion. Int J Pept Res Ther 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Identification of targets of monoclonal antibodies that inhibit adhesion and growth in Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2018; 204:11-18. [PMID: 30596376 PMCID: PMC6215757 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A panel of anti-Mmm mAbs was produced and screened for host-pathogen inhibition. 13 mAbs inhibited adhesion of Mmm to host target cells. Anti-capsular polysaccharide inhibited growth and caused agglutination of Mmm. Anti-PDHC inhibited adherence of Mmm cells showing the possible role of glycolytic enzymes in host-pathogen interaction. One novel antigen that is a promising vaccine candidate against CBPP identified.
Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (Mmm) adhesion is tissue and host specific. Inhibition of adhesion will prevent Mmm from binding to lung cells and hence prevent colonization and disease. The aim of this study was to develop a panel of Mmm monoclonal antibodies against Mmm and use these antibodies to investigate their inhibitory effect on the adherence of Mmm to bovine lung epithelial cells (BoLEC), and to further identify an antigen to any of the inhibitory antibodies. Thirteen anti-Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (AMMY) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) inhibited adhesion by at least 30% and ten of the mAbs bound to multiple bands on Western blots suggesting that the antibodies bound to proteins of variable sizes. AMMY 10, a previously characterized Mmm- capsular polysaccharide (CPS) specific antibody, inhibited growth of Mmm in vitro and also caused agglutination of Mmm total cell lysate. AMMY 5, a 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase acyltransferase (Catalytic domain) (MSC_0267) specific antibody, was identified and polyclonal rabbit serum against recombinant MSC_0267 blocked adhesion of Mmm to BoLEC by 41%. Antigens recognized by these antibodies could be vaccine candidate(s) and should be subsequently tested for their ability to induce a protective immune response in vivo.
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15
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Deng X, Zhu Y, Dai P, Yu M, Chen L, Zhu C, You X, Li L, Zeng Y. Three polypeptides screened from phage display random peptide library may be the receptor polypeptide of Mycoplasma genitalium adhesion protein. Microb Pathog 2018; 120:140-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.04.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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16
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The Immunopathogenesis of Mycoplasma genitalium Infections in Women: A Narrative Review. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:428-432. [PMID: 28608793 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is a common, predominately asymptomatic, and often undiagnosed sexually transmitted infection that is associated with inflammatory urogenital and reproductive tract disease syndromes of men and women. Without programmatic screening in the United States, and with increasing resistance to antibiotics used in empiric sexually transmitted infection management, undiagnosed M. genitalium infections put many women at risk for cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Chronic infection may also lead to tubal-factor infertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes in expectant mothers, and is a risk factor for acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. This review details the dynamics of M. genitalium infection, and then examines the potentially deleterious role of host immunity in reproductive tract disease pathogenesis and enhanced human immunodeficiency virus acquisition/transmission.
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17
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Mycoplasma genitalium Nonadherent Phase Variants Arise by Multiple Mechanisms and Escape Antibody-Dependent Growth Inhibition. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00866-17. [PMID: 29358335 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00866-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Antigenic variation of the immunodominant MgpB and MgpC proteins has been suggested to be a mechanism of immune evasion of the human pathogen Mycoplasma genitalium, a cause of several reproductive tract disease syndromes. Phase variation resulting in the loss of adherence has also been documented, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this process and its role in pathogenesis are still poorly understood. In this study, we isolated and characterized 40 spontaneous, nonadherent phase variants from in vitro-passaged M. genitalium cultures. In all cases, nonadherence was associated with the loss of MgpBC protein expression, attributable to sequence changes in the mgpBC expression site. Phase variants were grouped into seven classes on the basis of the nature of the mutation. Consistent with the established role of RecA in phase variation, 31 (79.5%) variants arose via recombination with MgPa repeat regions that contain mgpBC variable sequences. The remaining mutants arose via nonsense or frameshift mutations. As expected, revertants were obtained for phase variants that were predicted to be reversible but not for those that arose via an irreversible mechanism. Furthermore, phase variants were enriched in M. genitalium cultures exposed to antibodies reacting to the extracellular, conserved C terminus of MgpB but not in cultures exposed to antibodies reacting to an intracellular domain of MgpB or the cytoplasmic HU protein. Genetic characterization of the antibody-selected phase variants confirmed that they arose via reversible and irreversible recombination and point mutations within mgpBC These phase variants resisted antibody-mediated growth inhibition, suggesting that phase variation promotes immune evasion.
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18
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Sethi S, Zaman K, Jain N. Mycoplasma genitalium infections: current treatment options and resistance issues. Infect Drug Resist 2017; 10:283-292. [PMID: 28979150 PMCID: PMC5589104 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s105469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is one of the important causes of non-gonococcal urethritis. Rising incidence and emerging antimicrobial resistance are a major concern these days. The poor clinical outcomes with doxycycline therapy led to the use of azithromycin as the primary drug of choice. Single-dose azithromycin regimen over a period of time was changed to extended regimen following studies showing better clinical cures and less risk of resistance development. However, emerging macrolide resistance, either due to transmission of resistance or drug pressure has further worsened the management of this infection. The issues of drug resistance and treatment failures also exist in cases of M. genitalium infection. At present, the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) M. genitalium strains is an alarming sign for its treatment and the associated public health impact due to its complications. However, newer drugs like pristinamycin, solithromycin, sitafloxacin, and others have shown a hope for the clinical cure, but need further clinical trials to optimize the therapeutic dosing schedules and formulate appropriate treatment regimens. Rampant and inappropriate use of these newer drugs will further sabotage future attempts to manage MDR strains. There is currently a need to formulate diagnostic algorithms and etiology-based treatment regimens rather than the syndromic approach, preferably using combination therapy instead of a monotherapy. Awareness about the current guidelines and recommended treatment regimens among clinicians and local practitioners is of utmost importance. Antimicrobial resistance testing and global surveillance are required to assess the efficacy of current treatment regimens and for guiding future research for the early detection and management of MDR M. genitalium infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Sethi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kamran Zaman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Neha Jain
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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19
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Vadivelu J, Vellasamy KM, Thimma J, Mariappan V, Kang WT, Choh LC, Shankar EM, Wong KT. Survival and Intra-Nuclear Trafficking of Burkholderia pseudomallei: Strategies of Evasion from Immune Surveillance? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005241. [PMID: 28045926 PMCID: PMC5234843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During infection, successful bacterial clearance is achieved via the host immune system acting in conjunction with appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, it still remains a tip of the iceberg as to where persistent pathogens namely, Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei) reside/hide to escape from host immune sensors and antimicrobial pressure. Methods We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate post-mortem tissue sections of patients with clinical melioidosis to identify the localisation of a recently identified gut microbiome, B. pseudomallei within host cells. The intranuclear presence of B. pseudomallei was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of experimentally infected guinea pig spleen tissues and Live Z-stack, and ImageJ analysis of fluorescence microscopy analysis of in vitro infection of A549 human lung epithelial cells. Results TEM investigations revealed intranuclear localization of B. pseudomallei in cells of infected human lung and guinea pig spleen tissues. We also found that B. pseudomallei induced actin polymerization following infection of A549 human lung epithelial cells. Infected A549 lung epithelial cells using 3D-Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed the intranuclear localization of B. pseudomallei. Conclusion B. pseudomallei was found within the nuclear compartment of host cells. The nucleus may play a role as an occult or transient niche for persistence of intracellular pathogens, potentially leading to recurrrent episodes or recrudescence of infection. Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei), the causative agent of melioidosis, is endemic across parts of South East Asia and Northern Australia. Of the key features of B. pseudomallei, is its ability to remain latent in the host causing recrudescent disease years after initial infection. However, it still remains unclear as to where B. pseudomallei resides to escape from host immune sensors and antimicrobial pressure. Here, we have found that B. pseudomallei was able to enter into the nuclear compartment of host cells. The nucleus may play a role as a temporary abode for persistence, leading to recurrrent episodes of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamuna Vadivelu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail: (JV); (EMS)
| | - Kumutha Malar Vellasamy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaikumar Thimma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vanitha Mariappan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wen-Tyng Kang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Leang-Chung Choh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Esaki M. Shankar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Division of Infection Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), Thiruvarur, India
- * E-mail: (JV); (EMS)
| | - Kum Thong Wong
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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20
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Zhang H, Zhao G, Guo Y, Menghwar H, Chen Y, Chen H, Guo A. Mycoplasma bovis MBOV_RS02825 Encodes a Secretory Nuclease Associated with Cytotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050628. [PMID: 27136546 PMCID: PMC4881454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the activity of one Mycoplasma bovis nuclease encoded by MBOV_RS02825 and its association with cytotoxicity. The bioinformatics analysis predicted that it encodes a Ca2+-dependent nuclease based on existence of enzymatic sites in a TNASE_3 domain derived from a Staphylococcus aureus thermonuclease (SNc). We cloned and purified the recombinant MbovNase (rMbovNase), and demonstrated its nuclease activity by digesting bovine macrophage linear DNA and RNA, and closed circular plasmid DNA in the presence of 10 mM Ca2+ at 22–65 °C. In addition, this MbovNase was localized in membrane and rMbovNase able to degrade DNA matrix of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). When incubated with macrophages, rMbovNase bound to and invaded the cells localizing to both the cytoplasm and nuclei. These cells experienced apoptosis and the viability was significantly reduced. The apoptosis was confirmed by activated expression of phosphorylated NF-κB p65 and Bax, and inhibition of Iκβα and Bcl-2. In contrast, rMbovNaseΔ181–342 without TNASE_3 domain exhibited deficiency in all the biological functions. Furthermore, rMbovNase was also demonstrated to be secreted. In conclusion, it is a first report that MbovNase is an active nuclease, both secretory and membrane protein with ability to degrade NETs and induce apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Gang Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yusi Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Harish Menghwar
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yingyu Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China.
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Huanchun Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China.
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Aizhen Guo
- The State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Development of Veterinary Diagnostic Products, Ministry of Agriculture, Wuhan 430070, China.
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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21
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Yu T, Wang Y, Zhang H, Johnson CH, Jiang Y, Li X, Wu Z, Liu T, Krausz KW, Yu A, Gonzalez FJ, Huang M, Bi H. Metabolomics reveals mycoplasma contamination interferes with the metabolism of PANC-1 cells. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:4267-73. [PMID: 27074779 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma contamination is a common problem in cell culture and can alter cellular functions. Since cell metabolism is either directly or indirectly involved in every aspect of cell function, it is important to detect changes to the cellular metabolome after mycoplasma infection. In this study, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based metabolomics was used to investigate the effect of mycoplasma contamination on the cellular metabolism of human pancreatic carcinoma cells (PANC-1). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that mycoplasma contamination induced significant metabolic changes in PANC-1 cells. Twenty-three metabolites were identified and found to be involved in arginine and purine metabolism and energy supply. This study demonstrates that mycoplasma contamination significantly alters cellular metabolite levels, confirming the compelling need for routine checking of cell cultures for mycoplasma contamination, particularly when used for metabolomics studies. Graphical abstract Metabolomics reveals mycoplasma contamination changes the metabolome of PANC-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132# Waihuandong Rd, University City of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yongtao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132# Waihuandong Rd, University City of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Huizhen Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132# Waihuandong Rd, University City of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Caroline H Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yiming Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132# Waihuandong Rd, University City of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiangjun Li
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Xin Jinqiao Rd., Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Zeming Wu
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Xin Jinqiao Rd., Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Tian Liu
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Xin Jinqiao Rd., Shanghai, 201206, China
| | - Kristopher W Krausz
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Aiming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Min Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132# Waihuandong Rd, University City of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Huichang Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132# Waihuandong Rd, University City of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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22
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Chernov AV, Reyes L, Peterson S, Strongin AY. Depletion of CG-Specific Methylation in Mycoplasma hyorhinis Genomic DNA after Host Cell Invasion. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142529. [PMID: 26544880 PMCID: PMC4636357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to the environment requires pathogenic bacteria to alter their gene expression in order to increase long-term survival in the host. Here, we present the first experimental evidence that bacterial DNA methylation affects the intracellular survival of pathogenic Mycoplasma hyorhinis. Using bisulfite sequencing, we identified that the M. hyorhinis DNA methylation landscape was distinct in free-living M. hyorhinis relative to the internalized bacteria surviving in the infected human cells. We determined that genomic GATC sites were consistently highly methylated in the bacterial chromosome suggesting that the bacterial GATC-specific 5-methylcytosine DNA methyltransferase was fully functional both pre- and post-infection. In contrast, only the low CG methylation pattern was observed in the mycoplasma genome in the infective bacteria that invaded and then survived in the host cells. In turn, two distinct populations, with either high or low CG methylation, were detected in the M. hyorhinis cultures continually grown in the rich medium independently of host cells. We also identified that M. hyorhinis efficiently evaded endosomal degradation and uses exocytosis to exit infected human cells enabling re-infection of additional cells. The well-orchestrated changes in the chromosome methylation landscape play a major regulatory role in the mycoplasma life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei V. Chernov
- Infectious & Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AC); (AS)
| | - Leticia Reyes
- Department of Infectious Disease & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Scott Peterson
- Infectious & Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Alex Y. Strongin
- Infectious & Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AC); (AS)
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23
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Bürki S, Gaschen V, Stoffel MH, Stojiljkovic A, Frey J, Kuehni-Boghenbor K, Pilo P. Invasion and persistence of Mycoplasma bovis in embryonic calf turbinate cells. Vet Res 2015; 46:53. [PMID: 25976415 PMCID: PMC4432498 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-015-0194-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma bovis is a wall-less bacterium causing bovine mycoplasmosis, a disease showing a broad range of clinical manifestations in cattle. It leads to enormous economic losses to the beef and dairy industries. Antibiotic treatments are not efficacious and currently no efficient vaccine is available. Moreover, mechanisms of pathogenicity of this bacterium are not clear, as few virulence attributes are known. Microscopic observations of necropsy material suggest the possibility of an intracellular stage of M. bovis. We used a combination of a gentamicin protection assay, a variety of chemical treatments to block mycoplasmas entry in eukaryotic cells, and fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy to investigate the intracellular life of M. bovis in calf turbinate cells. Our findings indicate that M. bovis invades and persists in primary embryonic calf turbinate cells. Moreover, M. bovis can multiply within these cells. The intracellular phase of M. bovis may represent a protective niche for this pathogen and contribute to its escape from the host’s immune defense as well as avoidance of antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Bürki
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Véronique Gaschen
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Michael H Stoffel
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Ana Stojiljkovic
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Joachim Frey
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | | | - Paola Pilo
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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24
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Chernov AV, Reyes L, Xu Z, Gonzalez B, Golovko G, Peterson S, Perucho M, Fofanov Y, Strongin AY. Mycoplasma CG- and GATC-specific DNA methyltransferases selectively and efficiently methylate the host genome and alter the epigenetic landscape in human cells. Epigenetics 2015; 10:303-18. [PMID: 25695131 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1020000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant DNA methylation is frequently observed in disease, including many cancer types, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Because germline and somatic mutations in the genes that are responsible for DNA methylation are infrequent in malignancies, additional mechanisms must be considered. Mycoplasmas spp., including Mycoplasma hyorhinis, efficiently colonize human cells and may serve as a vehicle for delivery of enzymatically active microbial proteins into the intracellular milieu. Here, we performed, for the first time, genome-wide and individual gene mapping of methylation marks generated by the M. hyorhinis CG- and GATC-specific DNA cytosine methyltransferases (MTases) in human cells. Our results demonstrated that, upon expression in human cells, MTases readily translocated to the cell nucleus. In the nucleus, MTases selectively and efficiently methylated the host genome at the DNA sequence sites free from pre-existing endogenous methylation, including those in a variety of cancer-associated genes. We also established that mycoplasma is widespread in colorectal cancers, suggesting that either the infection contributed to malignancy onset or, alternatively, that tumors provide a favorable environment for mycoplasma growth. In the human genome, ∼ 11% of GATC sites overlap with CGs (e.g., CGAT(m)CG); therefore, the methylated status of these sites can be perpetuated by human DNMT1. Based on these results, we now suggest that the GATC-specific methylation represents a novel type of infection-specific epigenetic mark that originates in human cells with a previous exposure to infection. Overall, our findings unveil an entirely new panorama of interactions between the human microbiome and epigenome with a potential impact in disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei V Chernov
- a Infectious & Inflammatory Disease Center ; Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute ; La Jolla , CA USA
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25
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Taylor-Robinson D. Diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium infection: sobering thoughts. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015; 12:715-22. [PMID: 24834454 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.919220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of Mycoplasma genitalium in 1980-1981 eventually led to it becoming recognized as an important cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men and also some genital tract diseases in women. Subsequent to the original isolation, further attempts failed over the next decade and reliable detection only became possible with the use of nucleic acid amplification techniques. Although tetracyclines, particularly doxycycline, were the first choice for treatment of non-gonococcal urethritis prior to the finding of M. genitalium, they were unsatisfactory for the treatment of M. genitalium-associated disease; the organisms were often not eliminated leading, for example, to chronic urethritis. However, the introduction of azithromycin, used as single-dose therapy for chlamydial infections, resulted in clearance of the mycoplasmal organisms from the genital tract and clinical recovery without the development of chronic disease. Nevertheless, such success was short-lived as M. genitalium, through mutation, began to develop resistance to azithromycin and M. genitalium mutants also began to circulate in some populations. In an attempt to counteract this, clinicians should give extended therapy, and in the future, microbiologists, using real-time PCRs, might be able to determine the existence of resistant strains in the local population and so advise on the most appropriate antibiotic. Other than azithromycin, there are a few options, moxifloxacin being one, although the recently reported resistance to this antibiotic is disturbing. In the short to medium term, combination therapy and/or the advent of a new antibiotic might abate the spread of resistance, but in the long term, there is potential for increasing prevalence of untreatable M. genitalium disease. In the future, attempts to develop a vaccine and, of equal importance, one to Chlamydia trachomatis, would not be out of place.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Taylor-Robinson
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
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26
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Mycoplasma genitalium promotes epithelial crossing and peripheral blood mononuclear cell infection by HIV-1. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 23:31-8. [PMID: 24661929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2013.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycoplasma genitalium co-infection in HIV-infected individuals has been reported to increase the shedding of HIV in the urogenital region of females. To better understand this relationship, we investigated the influence of M. genitalium on the transmission and replication of HIV using an in vitro model. METHODS The Transwell co-culture system was employed to assess the crossing of an endocervical cell barrier by HIV-1. Immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to assess the distribution of the nectin-1 molecule on M. genitalium-infected epithelial cells of the End1/E6E7 endocervical cell line, grown as monolayers in the insert wells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured in the bottom wells to assess the effects of M. genitalium, passing through the semipermeable culturing membrane, on subsequent HIV infection of susceptible target cells. RESULTS Infection of the endocervical cells with the adhesion-positive M. genitalium G37 strain (wild-type) significantly elevated the passage of HIV across the epithelial cell barrier relative to HIV transfer across endocervical cells infected with the adhesion-negative M. genitalium JB1 strain. Immunostaining of the M. genitalium-G37-infected epithelial cells disclosed capping and internalization of the junctional regulatory protein nectin-1, in association with reduced transepithelial resistance (TER) in the cell monolayer. When PBMC were cultured beneath insert wells containing M. genitalium-G37-infected epithelial cell monolayers, we observed significantly enhanced infectivity and replication of HIV added afterward to the cultures. CONCLUSIONS M. genitalium influences events on both sides of a cultured mucosal epithelial monolayer: (1) by infecting the epithelial cells and reducing the integrity of the barrier itself, and (2) by activating HIV target cells below it, thereby promoting HIV infection and progeny virus production.
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Rosales-Pérez M, Giono-Cerezo S, Girón J, Yáñez A, Cedillo L. Adherence of a Clinical Strain of <i>Mycoplasma fermentans</i> to Human Cultured Epithelial Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/aim.2014.411079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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28
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Functional characterization of osmotically inducible protein C (MG_427) from Mycoplasma genitalium. J Bacteriol 2013; 196:1012-9. [PMID: 24363346 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00954-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is the smallest self-replicating bacterium and an important human pathogen responsible for a range of urogenital infections and pathologies. Due to its limited genome size, many genes conserved in other bacteria are missing in M. genitalium. Genes encoding catalase and superoxide dismutase are absent, and how this pathogen overcomes oxidative stress remains poorly understood. In this study, we characterized MG_427, a homolog of the conserved osmC, which encodes hydroperoxide peroxidase, shown to protect bacteria against oxidative stress. We found that recombinant MG_427 protein reduced organic and inorganic peroxide substrates. Also, we showed that a deletion mutant of MG_427 was highly sensitive to killing by tert-butyl hydroperoxide and H2O2 compared to the sensitivity of the wild type. Further, the fully complemented mutant strain reversed its oxidative sensitivity. Examination of the expression pattern of MG_427 during osmotic shock, oxidative stress, and other stress conditions revealed its lack of induction, distinguishing MG_427 from other previously characterized osmC genes.
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29
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Rakhmatullina MR, Kirichenko SV. Current concepts of genetic variability of genital mycoplasmas and their role in the development of inflammatory diseases of the urogenital system. VESTNIK DERMATOLOGII I VENEROLOGII 2013. [DOI: 10.25208/vdv583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors disclose current concepts of the taxonomic and morphologic characteristics of genital mycoplasmas and their role in the development of inflammatory urogenital diseases and reproductive disorders. They also discuss such issues as genetic variability of genital mycoplasmas and possible interrelation with different variants of the clinical course of inflammatory processes in the urogenital tract.
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McGowin CL, Radtke AL, Abraham K, Martin DH, Herbst-Kralovetz M. Mycoplasma genitalium infection activates cellular host defense and inflammation pathways in a 3-dimensional human endocervical epithelial cell model. J Infect Dis 2013; 207:1857-68. [PMID: 23493725 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because Mycoplasma genitalium is a prevalent and emerging cause of sexually transmitted infections, understanding the mechanisms by which M. genitalium elicits mucosal inflammation is an essential component to managing lower and upper reproductive tract disease syndromes in women. METHODS We used a rotating wall vessel bioreactor system to create 3-dimensional (3-D) epithelial cell aggregates to model and assess endocervical infection by M. genitalium. RESULTS Attachment of M. genitalium to the host cell's apical surface was observed directly and confirmed using immunoelectron microscopy. Bacterial replication was observed from 0 to 72 hours after inoculation, during which time host cells underwent ultrastructural changes, including reduction of microvilli, and marked increases in secretory vesicle formation. Using genome-wide transcriptional profiling, we identified a host defense and inflammation signature activated by M. genitalium during acute infection (48 hours after inoculation) that included cytokine and chemokine activity and secretion of factors for antimicrobial defense. Multiplex bead-based protein assays confirmed secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, several of which are involved in leukocyte recruitment and hypothesized to enhance susceptibility to human immunodeficiency type 1 infection. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide insight into key molecules and pathways involved in innate recognition of M. genitalium and the response to acute infection in the human endocervix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris L McGowin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112-2822, USA.
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31
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Martinez MA, Das K, Saikolappan S, Materon LA, Dhandayuthapani S. A serine/threonine phosphatase encoded by MG_207 of Mycoplasma genitalium is critical for its virulence. BMC Microbiol 2013; 13:44. [PMID: 23432936 PMCID: PMC3639085 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-13-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial signal transduction systems like two component system (TCS) and Serine/Threonine kinase (STK) and Serine/Threonine phosphatase (STP) play important roles in the virulence and pathogenesis of bacterial pathogens. Mycoplasma genitalium, a mollicute that causes the urogenital diseases urethritis and cervicitis in men and women, respectively, is a pathogen which lacks TCS but possesses STK/STP. In this study, we investigated the biochemical and virulence properties of an STP protein encoded by the gene MG_207 of this species. RESULTS We overexpressed MG207 in Escherichia coli overexpression system as a recombinant His10MG207 protein and purified it with affinity chromatography. This recombinant protein readily hydrolyzed the substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) in a dose-dependent manner. Additional studies using synthetic peptides as substrates revealed that the recombinant protein was able to hydrolyze the threonine phosphate. Further, a transposon insertion mutant strain of M. genitalium (TIM207) that lacks the protein MG207 showed differentially phosphorylated proteins when compared to the wild type G37 strain. Mass spectrometry revealed that some of the key proteins differentially phosphorylated in TIM207 strain were putative cytoskeletal protein encoded by the gene MG_328 and pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 α chain encoded by the gene MG_274. In addition, TIM207 was noticed to be less cytotoxic to HeLa cells and this correlated with the production of less hydrogen peroxide by this strain. This strain was also less efficient in inducing the differentiation of THP-1 cell line as compared to wild type M. genitalium. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study suggest that MG207 is an important signaling protein of M. genitalium and its presence may be crucial for the virulence of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario A Martinez
- Regional Academic Health Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Edinburg, TX 78541, USA
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Persistent Mycoplasma genitalium infection of human endocervical epithelial cells elicits chronic inflammatory cytokine secretion. Infect Immun 2012; 80:3842-9. [PMID: 22907815 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00819-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Mycoplasma genitalium has been associated with male and female urogenital disease syndromes, including urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and tubal factor infertility. Basic investigations of mucosal cytotoxicity, microbial persistence, and host immune responses are imperative to understanding these inflammatory urogenital syndromes, particularly in females, considering the potential severity of upper tract infections. Here, we report that M. genitalium can establish long-term infection of human endocervical epithelial cells that results in chronic inflammatory cytokine secretion and increased responsiveness to secondary Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. Using a novel quantitative PCR assay, M. genitalium was shown to replicate from 0 to 80 days postinoculation (p.i.), during which at most time points the median ratio of M. genitalium organisms to host cells was ≤10, indicating that low organism burdens are capable of eliciting chronic inflammation in endocervical epithelial cells. This observation is consistent with clinical findings in women. Persistently secreted cytokines predominately consisted of potent chemotactic and/or activating factors for phagocytes, including interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β). Despite persistent cytokine elaboration, no host cell cytotoxicity was observed except with superphysiologic loads of M. genitalium, suggesting that persistent infection occurs with minimal direct damage to the epithelium. However, it is hypothesized that chronic chemokine secretion with leukocyte trafficking to the epithelium could lead to significant inflammatory sequelae. Therefore, persistent M. genitalium infection could have important consequences for acquisition and/or pathogenesis of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and perhaps explain the positive associations between this organism and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) shedding.
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Weinstein SA, Stiles BG. Recent perspectives in the diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2012; 10:487-99. [PMID: 22512757 DOI: 10.1586/eri.12.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is a globally important sexually transmitted pathogen. Men infected with M. genitalium frequently present with dysuria, while women may present with or without urogenital symptoms. In some populations, M. genitalium is significantly associated with HIV-1 infection, and is also an etiological agent in pelvic inflammatory disease. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a causative role of the organism in obstetric complications, including tubal factor infertility. Although several nucleic acid amplification tests offer rapid, sensitive methods for detecting M. genitalium, there is no standardized assay. Available evidence supports treatment of M. genitalium infections with an extended regimen of azithromycin and resistant strains respond to moxifloxacin. Accumulating evidence indicates growing fluoroquinolone resistance, including against moxifloxacin, emphasizing the need for new therapeutic strategies to treat M. genitalium infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Weinstein
- Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Müller EE, Venter JM, Magooa MP, Morrison C, Lewis DA, Mavedzenge SN. Development of a rotor-gene real-time PCR assay for the detection and quantification of Mycoplasma genitalium. J Microbiol Methods 2012; 88:311-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2011.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Mycoplasma genitalium: from Chrysalis to multicolored butterfly. Clin Microbiol Rev 2011; 24:498-514. [PMID: 21734246 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00006-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The history, replication, genetics, characteristics (both biological and physical), and factors involved in the pathogenesis of Mycoplasma genitalium are presented. The latter factors include adhesion, the influence of hormones, motility, possible toxin production, and immunological responses. The preferred site of colonization, together with current detection procedures, mainly by PCR technology, is discussed. The relationships between M. genitalium and various diseases are highlighted. These diseases include acute and chronic nongonococcal urethritis, balanoposthitis, chronic prostatitis, and acute epididymitis in men and urethritis, bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and reproductive disease in women. A causative relationship, or otherwise strong association, between several of these diseases and M. genitalium is apparent, and the extent of this, on a subjective basis, is presented; also provided is a comparison between M. genitalium and two other genital tract-orientated mollicutes, namely, Mycoplasma hominis, the first mycoplasma of human origin to be discovered, and Ureaplasma species. Also discussed is the relationship between M. genitalium and infertility and also arthritis in both men and women, as is infection in homosexual and immunodeficient patients. Decreased immunity, as in HIV infections, may enhance mycoplasmal detection and increase disease severity. Finally, aspects of the antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance of M. genitalium, together with the treatment and possible prevention of mycoplasmal disease, are discussed.
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Buzinhani M, Yamaguti M, Oliveira RC, Cortez BA, Marques LM, Machado-Santelli GM, Assumpção ME, Timenetsky J. Invasion of Ureaplasma diversum in bovine spermatozoids. BMC Res Notes 2011; 4:455. [PMID: 22032232 PMCID: PMC3219583 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-4-455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 10/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ureaplasma diversum has been associated with infertility in cows. In bulls, this mollicute colonizes the prepuce and distal portion of the urethra and may infect sperm cells. The aim of this study is to analyze in vitro interaction of U. diversum isolates and ATCC strains with bovine spermatozoids. The interactions were observed by confocal microscopy and the gentamycin internalization assay. FINDINGS U. diversum were able to adhere to and invade spermatozoids after 30 min of infection. The gentamicin resistance assay confirmed the intracellularity and survival of U. diversum in bovine spermatozoids. CONCLUSIONS The intracellular nature of bovine ureaplasma identifies a new difficulty to control the reproductive of these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Buzinhani
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
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Relich RF, Balish MF. Insights into the function of Mycoplasma pneumoniae protein P30 from orthologous gene replacement. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2011; 157:2862-2870. [PMID: 21778204 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.052464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The attachment organelles of bacterial species belonging to the Mycoplasma pneumoniae phylogenetic cluster are required for host cytadherence, gliding motility and virulence. Despite being closely related, these bacteria possess distinct cellular morphologies and gliding characteristics. The molecular mechanisms for most attachment organelle phenotypes, including shape and ability to power motility, are obscure. The attachment organelle-associated P30 protein of M. pneumoniae is implicated in both adherence and motility, with mutations negatively impacting cell morphology, adherence, gliding and virulence. To test whether the P30 alleles of different mycoplasma species confer species-specific attachment organelle properties, we created an M. pneumoniae strain in which the Mycoplasma genitalium P30 orthologue, P32, was substituted for the native P30. Selected clones were visualized by scanning electron microscopy to assess morphology and by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy to localize P32. Cytadherence ability and gliding motility were assessed by haemadsorption assay and phase-contrast microcinematography, respectively. Cell and attachment organelle morphologies were indistinguishable from wild-type M. pneumoniae as well as M. pneumoniae II-3 expressing a C-terminally 6×His-tagged P30 construct. P32 was localized to the tip of the attachment organelle of transformant cells. Although a specific role for P30 in species-specific phenotypes was not identified, this first test of orthologous gene replacement in different mycoplasma species demonstrates that the differences in the M. pneumoniae and M. genitalium proteins contribute little if anything to the different attachment organelle phenotypes between these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan F Relich
- Department of Microbiology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
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38
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Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen implicated in urethritis in men and several inflammatory reproductive tract syndromes in women including cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and infertility. This comprehensive review critically examines epidemiologic studies of M. genitalium infections in women with the goal of assessing the associations with reproductive tract disease and enhancing awareness of this emerging pathogen. Over 27,000 women from 48 published reports have been screened for M. genitalium urogenital infection in high- or low-risk populations worldwide with an overall prevalence of 7.3% and 2.0%, respectively. M. genitalium was present in the general population at rates between those of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Considering more than 20 studies of lower tract inflammation, M. genitalium has been positively associated with urethritis, vaginal discharge, and microscopic signs of cervicitis and/or mucopurulent cervical discharge in seven of 14 studies. A consistent case definition of cervicitis is lacking and will be required for comprehensive understanding of these associations. Importantly, evidence for M. genitalium PID and infertility are quite convincing and indicate that a significant proportion of upper tract inflammation may be attributed to this elusive pathogen. Collectively, M. genitalium is highly prevalent in high- and low-risk populations, and should be considered an etiologic agent of select reproductive tract disease syndromes in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris L McGowin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America.
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39
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Zhang W, Baseman JB. Transcriptional response of Mycoplasma genitalium to osmotic stress. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2010; 157:548-556. [PMID: 21051489 PMCID: PMC3090130 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.043984-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is the causative agent of non-gonococcal, chlamydia-negative urethritis in men and has been linked to reproductive tract disease syndromes in women. As with other mycoplasmas, M. genitalium lacks many regulatory genes because of its streamlined genome and total dependence on a parasitic existence. Therefore, it is important to understand how gene regulation occurs in M. genitalium, particularly in response to environmental signals likely to be encountered in vivo. In this study, we developed an oligonucleotide-based microarray to investigate transcriptional changes in M. genitalium following osmotic shock. Using a physiologically relevant osmolarity condition (0.3 M sodium chloride), we identified 39 upregulated and 72 downregulated genes. Of the upregulated genes, 21 were of unknown function and 15 encoded membrane-associated proteins. The majority of downregulated genes encoded enzymes involved in energy metabolism and components of the protein translation process. These data provide insights into the in vivo response of M. genitalium to hyperosmolarity conditions and identify candidate genes that may contribute to mycoplasma survival in the urogenital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Joel B Baseman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of a Ca2+-dependent, membrane-associated nuclease of Mycoplasma genitalium. J Bacteriol 2010; 192:4876-84. [PMID: 20639320 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00401-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we identified and characterized the enzymatic properties of MG_186, a calcium-dependent Mycoplasma genitalium nuclease. MG_186 displays the hallmarks of nucleases, as indicated by its amino acid sequence similarity to other nucleases. We cloned, UGA corrected, expressed, purified, and demonstrated that recombinant MG_186 (rMG_186) exhibits nuclease activity similar to that of typical sugar-nonspecific endonucleases and exonucleases. Biochemical characterization indicated that Ca2+ alone enhances its activity, which was inhibited by divalent cations, such as Zn2+ and Mn2+. Chelating agents EGTA and EDTA also inhibited nuclease activity. Mycoplasma membrane fractionation and Triton X-114 phase separation showed that MG_186 was a membrane-associated lipoprotein, and electron microscopy revealed its surface membrane location. Incubation of purified human endometrial cell nuclei with rMG_186 resulted in DNA degradation and morphological changes typical of apoptosis. Further, immunofluorescence analysis of rMG_186-treated nuclei indicated that morphological changes were linked to the disintegration of lamin and the internalization of rMG_186. Since M. genitalium has the capacity to invade eukaryotic cells and localize to the perinuclear and nuclear region of parasitized target cells, MG_186 has the potential to provide M. genitalium, which possesses the smallest genome of any self-replicating cell, with the ability to degrade host nucleic acids both as a source of nucleotide precursors for growth and for pathogenic purposes.
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Thurman AR, Musatovova O, Perdue S, Shain RN, Baseman JG, Baseman JB. Mycoplasma genitalium symptoms, concordance and treatment in high-risk sexual dyads. Int J STD AIDS 2010; 21:177-83. [PMID: 20215621 DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2009.008485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and concordance of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) among Mexican American and African American women and their male sexual partners. Secondary objectives were to determine symptoms of MG infection and persistence of MG after antibiotic therapy. Heterosexual couples were tested for MG and interviewed separately regarding symptoms and behavioural/epidemiologic variables at baseline, six and 12 months. The overall prevalence of MG among women and men was 9.5% and 10.6%, respectively. Subjects were five times more likely to be infected with MG if their sexual partner was MG positive. Among men and women, MG prevalence and mean bacterial loads were similar after receiving single-dose azithromycin, doxycycline or no antibiotics. MG was associated with current urethral discharge in men. No clinical symptoms were specifically diagnostic of MG infection in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Thurman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, CONRAD Clinical Research Center, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
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Marques LM, Ueno PM, Buzinhani M, Cortez BA, Neto RL, Yamaguti M, Oliveira RC, Guimarães AMS, Monezi TA, Braga ACR, Machado-Santelli GM, Timenetsky J. Invasion of Ureaplasma diversum in Hep-2 cells. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:83. [PMID: 20236540 PMCID: PMC2907839 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding mollicutes is challenging due to their variety and relationship with host cells. Invasion has explained issues related to their opportunistic role. Few studies have been done on the Ureaplasma diversum mollicute, which is detected in healthy or diseased bovine. The invasion in Hep-2 cells of four clinical isolates and two reference strains of their ureaplasma was studied by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and gentamicin invasion assay. RESULTS The isolates and strains used were detected inside the cells after infection of one minute without difference in the arrangement for adhesion and invasion. The adhesion was scattered throughout the cells, and after three hours, the invasion of the ureaplasmas surrounded the nuclear region but were not observed inside the nuclei. The gentamicin invasion assay detected that 1% of the ATCC strains were inside the infected Hep-2 cells in contrast to 10% to the clinical isolates. A high level of phospholipase C activity was also detected in all studied ureaplasma. CONCLUSIONS The results presented herein will help better understand U. diversum infections, aswell as cellular attachment and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Miranda Marques
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 1374. 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Mycoplasma genitalium rapidly disseminates to the upper reproductive tracts and knees of female mice following vaginal inoculation. Infect Immun 2009; 78:726-36. [PMID: 19995897 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00840-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted infection and in women is associated with notable reproductive tract syndromes such as cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Investigations into the causal relationships of M. genitalium infections and clinical disease have been hindered largely by the lack of a well-established small-animal model of genital tract infection. To establish a murine model, female Swiss Webster mice were conditioned with either progesterone or estradiol and then inoculated intravaginally with M. genitalium type strain G37 or a contemporary Danish strain, M2300. Persistent lower tract infection was observed at up to 77 days postinoculation (d.p.i.). Upper reproductive tract colonization was observed as early as 3 d.p.i., with long-term infection observed in estradiol-treated (65%) and progesterone-treated (18%) animals. In the upper tract, more than 90% of M. genitalium PCR-positive samples were from the uterus and oviducts. Ultimately, gross hydrosalpinx was observed 21 days to 10 weeks p.i. in approximately 60% of infected animals, suggesting the presence of tubal occlusion. In addition, dissemination of M. genitalium to the knee tissues was observed as early as 7 d.p.i., with persistent infection detected at up to 28 d.p.i. Mice infected with M. genitalium also developed specific antibodies to the major antigenic outer membrane protein MgPa, elongation factor Tu, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1alpha, and DnaK (Hsp70), indicating persistent infection despite robust humoral responses to infection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence that M. genitalium can establish long-term infection of reproductive tract and joint tissues, with preliminary evidence of pathological reproductive tract outcomes.
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Namiki K, Goodison S, Porvasnik S, Allan RW, Iczkowski KA, Urbanek C, Reyes L, Sakamoto N, Rosser CJ. Persistent exposure to Mycoplasma induces malignant transformation of human prostate cells. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6872. [PMID: 19721714 PMCID: PMC2730529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent epidemiologic, genetic, and molecular studies suggest infection and inflammation initiate certain cancers, including those of the prostate. The American Cancer Society, estimates that approximately 20% of all worldwide cancers are caused by infection. Mycoplasma, a genus of bacteria that lack a cell wall, are among the few prokaryotes that can grow in close relationship with mammalian cells, often without any apparent pathology, for extended periods of time. In this study, the capacity of Mycoplasma genitalium, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection, and Mycoplasma hyorhinis, a mycoplasma found at unusually high frequency among patients with AIDS, to induce a malignant phenotype in benign human prostate cells (BPH-1) was evaluated using a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. After 19 weeks of culture, infected BPH-1 cells achieved anchorage-independent growth and increased migration and invasion. Malignant transformation of infected BPH-1 cells was confirmed by the formation of xenograft tumors in athymic mice. Associated with these changes was an increase in karyotypic entropy, evident by the accumulation of chromosomal aberrations and polysomy. This is the first report describing the capacity of M. genitalium or M. hyorhinis infection to lead to the malignant transformation of benign human epithelial cells and may serve as a model to further study the relationship between prostatitis and prostatic carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Namiki
- Department of Urology, The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Steve Goodison
- Department of Surgery, The University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Stacy Porvasnik
- Department of Urology, The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robert W. Allan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kenneth A. Iczkowski
- Department of Pathology, The University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Cydney Urbanek
- Department of Urology, The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Leticia Reyes
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Noboru Sakamoto
- Department of Urology, The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Charles J. Rosser
- Department of Urology, The University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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McGowin CL, Popov VL, Pyles RB. Intracellular Mycoplasma genitalium infection of human vaginal and cervical epithelial cells elicits distinct patterns of inflammatory cytokine secretion and provides a possible survival niche against macrophage-mediated killing. BMC Microbiol 2009; 9:139. [PMID: 19602269 PMCID: PMC2717097 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-9-139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen that has been associated with significant reproductive tract inflammatory syndromes in women. In addition, the strong association between severity of M. genitalium infection and Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) shedding from the cervix suggests that innate responses to M. genitalium may influence pathogenesis of other sexually transmitted infections. Epithelial cells (ECs) of the reproductive mucosa are the first cells contacted by sexually transmitted pathogens. Therefore, we first characterized the dynamics of intracellular and extracellular localization and resultant innate immune responses from human vaginal, ecto- and endocervical ECs to M. genitalium type strain G37 and a low-pass contemporary isolate, M2300. Results Both M. genitalium strains rapidly attached to vaginal and cervical ECs by 2 h post-infection (PI). By 3 h PI, M. genitalium organisms also were found in intracellular membrane-bound vacuoles of which approximately 60% were adjacent to the nucleus. Egress of M. genitalium from infected ECs into the culture supernatant was observed but, after invasion, viable intracellular titers were significantly higher than extracellular titers at 24 and 48 h PI. All of the tested cell types responded by secreting significant levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in a pattern consistent with recruitment and stimulation of monocytes and macrophages. Based on the elaborated cytokines, we next investigated the cellular interaction of M. genitalium with human monocyte-derived macrophages and characterized the resultant cytokine responses. Macrophages rapidly phagocytosed M. genitalium resulting in a loss of bacterial viability and a potent pro-inflammatory response that included significant secretion of IL-6 and other cytokines associated with enhanced HIV-1 replication. The macrophage-stimulating capacity of M. genitalium was independent of bacterial viability but was sensitive to heat denaturation and proteinase-K digestion suggesting that M. genitalium protein components are the predominant mediators of inflammation. Conclusion Collectively, the data indicated that human genital ECs were susceptible and immunologically responsive to M. genitalium infection that likely induced cellular immune responses. Although macrophage phagocytosis was an effective method for M. genitalium killing, intracellular localization within vaginal and cervical ECs may provide M. genitalium a survival niche and protection from cellular immune responses thereby facilitating the establishment and maintenance of reproductive tract infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris L McGowin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA.
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Amino acid changes in elongation factor Tu of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium influence fibronectin binding. Infect Immun 2009; 77:3533-41. [PMID: 19546194 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00081-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium are closely related organisms that cause distinct clinical manifestations and possess different tissue predilections despite their high degree of genome homology. We reported earlier that surface-localized M. pneumoniae elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu(Mp)) mediates binding to the extracellular matrix component fibronectin (Fn) through the carboxyl region of EF-Tu. In this study, we demonstrate that surface-associated M. genitalium EF-Tu (EF-Tu(Mg)), in spite of sharing 96% identity with EF-Tu(Mp), does not bind Fn. We utilized this finding to identify the essential amino acids of EF-Tu(Mp) that mediate Fn interactions by generating modified recombinant EF-Tu proteins with amino acid changes corresponding to those of EF-Tu(Mg). Amino acid changes in serine 343, proline 345, and threonine 357 were sufficient to significantly reduce the Fn binding of EF-Tu(Mp). Synthetic peptides corresponding to this region of EF-Tu(Mp) (EF-Tu(Mp) 340-358) blocked both recombinant EF-Tu(Mp) and radiolabeled M. pneumoniae cell binding to Fn. In contrast, EF-Tu(Mg) 340-358 peptides exhibited minimal blocking activity, reinforcing the specificity of EF-Tu-Fn interactions as mediators of microbial colonization and tissue tropism.
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