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Published on: June 11, 2015

The complete genome and proteome of Mycoplasma mobile

Jacob D Jaffe1, Nicole Stange-Thomann, Cherylyn Smith

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.

Genome Research
|August 4, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The Mycoplasma mobile genome reveals unique DNA structures and a reduced tRNA set. Comparative genomics suggests gliding motility may have evolved multiple times in mycoplasmas.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Proteomics

Background:

  • Mycoplasmas, though often deemed minimal, exhibit significant diversity in hosts, traits, and pathogenicity.
  • Mycoplasma mobile is a piscine mycoplasma recognized for its pronounced gliding motility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present the complete genomic sequence and proteogenomic map of Mycoplasma mobile.
  • To utilize proteomic data for primary genome annotation and protein expression validation.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of Mycoplasma mobile.
  • Proteogenomic analysis for annotation and expression validation.
  • Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis with related mycoplasma species.

Main Results:

  • Discovery of a novel ~2435 bp DNA repeat coding for nearly identical yet uniquely expressed proteins.
  • Identification of exceptionally low DNA GC content (24.9%) and a minimal tRNA set (28).
  • Evidence of extensive tandem duplication and lateral gene transfer within the genome.

Conclusions:

  • The Mycoplasma mobile genome possesses unique features, including repetitive DNA elements and a highly reduced genetic repertoire.
  • Comparative genomic analyses propose candidate genes for gliding motility and suggest independent evolution of this trait within the mycoplasma lineage.

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