Genome-Scale Analysis of Mycoplasma agalactiae Loci Involved in Interaction with Host Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Skapski Agnès, Hygonenq Marie-Claude, Sagné Eveline, Guiral Sébastien, Citti Christine, Baranowski Eric
Primary Institution: INRA, UMR1225, IHAP, Toulouse, France
Hypothesis
What genomic loci contribute to the interaction of Mycoplasma agalactiae with host cells?
Conclusion
The study identified 62 genomic loci in Mycoplasma agalactiae that are important for its growth in host cell environments.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 2000 Mycoplasma agalactiae mutants were screened for growth deficiencies.
- 62 loci were identified as essential for growth in host cell environments.
- Mutants with disruptions in coding sequences were frequently found.
- Surface lipoproteins were highly represented among the disrupted genes.
- Some loci were conserved in other pathogenic mycoplasmas.
- Transposon mutagenesis was used to create a library of knockout mutants.
- Co-cultivation with caprine cells was used to mimic natural host interactions.
- High-throughput screening allowed for efficient identification of important genomic regions.
Takeaway
Researchers looked at how a tiny germ called Mycoplasma agalactiae interacts with host cells and found many important parts of its DNA that help it grow.
Methodology
A high-throughput screening method was developed to identify growth-deficient mutants of Mycoplasma agalactiae by co-cultivating them with goat epithelial and fibroblastic cells.
Limitations
The study faced limitations such as potential cross-contamination between mutants and the absence of small animal models for in vivo testing.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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