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Unique centipede mechanism of Mycoplasma gliding

Makoto Miyata1

  • 1Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan. miyata@sci.osaka-cu.ac.jp

Annual Review of Microbiology
|June 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma bacteria glide using a unique mechanism involving a membrane protrusion and specialized proteins. This novel motility system, distinct from flagella or pili, facilitates surface attachment and movement.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Motility
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma are pathogenic bacteria known for their unique cell structure.
  • They possess a specialized membrane protrusion for surface attachment and gliding motility.
  • This motility mechanism is distinct from conventional bacterial systems like flagella or pili.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism of gliding motility in Mycoplasma mobile.
  • To propose a working model for the bacterial gliding machinery.
  • To compare gliding mechanisms across different Mycoplasma species.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the fastest gliding Mycoplasma species, Mycoplasma mobile.
  • Proposed a model based on the observed cellular structures and protein interactions.
  • Analyzed the role of cytoskeletal architecture and protein components in motility.

Main Results:

  • A gliding machinery composed of four large proteins at the protrusion base was identified.
  • A cytoskeletal architecture supports the machinery from within the cell.
  • Flexible 'legs' transmit movement, generated by ATP hydrolysis, for surface interaction.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma gliding involves a novel motor system utilizing ATP hydrolysis and protein-based 'legs'.
  • This mechanism facilitates binding, pulling, and releasing interactions with surface sialylgalactose.
  • The study provides insights into the unique locomotion of Mycoplasma species.

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