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Ureaplasma antigenic variation beyond MBA phase variation: DNA inversions generating chimeric structures and

Carl-Ulrich R Zimmerman1, Renate Rosengarten, Joachim Spergser

  • 1Institute of Bacteriology, Mycology and Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria. carl-ulrich.zimmerman@vetmeduni.ac

Molecular Microbiology
|January 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3 exhibits DNA inversion, leading to alternating expression of surface proteins UU172 and UU171. This antigenic variation helps the bacteria evade host immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Phase variation in Ureaplasma is crucial for immune evasion.
  • The multiple-banded antigen (MBA) and UU376 protein expression are known to undergo phase variation via DNA inversion.
  • Similar inverted repeats have been identified in Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate DNA inversion and its role in the expression of UU172 and UU171 in Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3.
  • To analyze the conservation and potential for gene evolution within the UU172 element across Ureaplasma species.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic DNA analysis to identify inverted repeats.
  • Protein expression analysis to confirm alternating expression.
  • Sequence analysis of the UU172 element in U. parvum and U. urealyticum strains.

Main Results:

  • DNA inversion at specific inverted repeats in U. parvum serovar 3 drives alternating expression of UU172 and UU171.
  • The 'UU172 element,' including UU171 and UU144 orthologues, is conserved across U. parvum and U. urealyticum.
  • A third inverted repeat in UU144 suggests potential for chimeric gene evolution.

Conclusions:

  • Site-specific recombination in U. parvum serovar 3 is dynamic, generating antigenic diversity.
  • This antigenic variation is a mechanism for evading host immune responses.
  • The conserved UU172 element and potential for gene recombination highlight Ureaplasma's adaptability.

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