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Related Experiment Videos

Do mycoplasmas cause human cancer?

N Cimolai1

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. ncimolai@cw.bc.ca

Canadian Journal of Microbiology
|September 29, 2001
PubMed
Summary

The link between mycoplasmas and cancer remains uncertain, with some studies suggesting a connection. Further research is needed to explore the potential role of these microorganisms in malignancy.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The association between mycoplasmas and malignancy was first proposed in the 1960s.
  • Historically, links were often dismissed as tissue-culture contamination.
  • Recent epidemiological studies and in vitro data suggest a potential connection warranting further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the historical and current evidence linking mycoplasmas to malignancy.
  • To discuss the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in mycoplasma-induced transformation.
  • To highlight the need for continued research in this area.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological studies.
  • Analysis of in vitro experimental data.
  • Discussion of cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • While largely attributed to contamination, some epidemiological studies persist in suggesting a link.
  • In vitro studies show mycoplasmas can induce karyotypic changes and malignant transformation.
  • Cellular and molecular mechanisms are beginning to be elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • The role of mycoplasmas in causing malignancy is currently conjectural.
  • Continued focused epidemiological and laboratory investigations are necessary.
  • Understanding mycoplasma-induced transformation may lead to new insights in oncology.

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