Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Identification of Virulence Markers of Mycobacterium abscessus for Intracellular Replication in Phagocytes
Published on: September 27, 2018
Data on genome analysis of Mycoplasmagallisepticum during intracellular infection
Daria Matyushkina1, Olga Pobeguts1, Irina Garanina2
1Laboratory of Proteomic Analysis, Federal Research and Clinical Centre of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Moscow 119435, Russia.
Abstract:
The genus Mycoplasma relates to Gram-positive bacteria that lack a cell wall and are capable to cause chronic disease in humans and animals. Among the agents of infection and disease in domestic poultry and wild birds, Mycoplasma gallisepticum is the most important mycoplasma species, causing considerable losses in the poultry industry. In the present paper, we provide data on adaptation of M. gallisepticum to the eukaryotic host cells on the genomic level. The major changes were predominantly localized in the VlhA-hemagglutinin genes which are important components of pathogenesis. The ability of mycoplasmas to change dramatically the repertoire of surface antigens and to vary the immunogenicity of these components allows them to remain undetected by the immune system of the host. The data presented in this article are related to the article entitled "Phase Transition of the Bacterium upon Invasion of a Host Cell as a Mechanism of Adaptation: a Mycoplasma gallisepticum Model." (Matyushkina et al., 2016) [1]. Data posted in repository https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/315515. Bioproject ID: PRJNA315515.
Insights
Mycoplasma gallisepticum adapts to host cells by altering its VlhA-hemagglutinin genes. This genomic adaptation helps the bacteria evade the host immune system, causing chronic infections in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Mycoplasma are cell-wall-less bacteria causing chronic diseases in humans and animals.
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a significant pathogen in poultry, leading to substantial economic losses.
- Understanding Mycoplasma adaptation mechanisms is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic adaptations of Mycoplasma gallisepticum during invasion of eukaryotic host cells.
- To identify key genetic changes associated with M. gallisepticum's survival and pathogenesis within a host environment.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of M. gallisepticum adapting to host cells.
- Focus on changes within the VlhA-hemagglutinin gene family.
Main Results:
- Significant genomic alterations were observed in M. gallisepticum upon host cell adaptation.
- Changes were primarily concentrated in the VlhA-hemagglutinin genes, critical for pathogenesis.
- Antigenic variation in surface proteins allows M. gallisepticum to evade host immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Genomic adaptation, particularly in VlhA-hemagglutinin genes, is a key survival strategy for M. gallisepticum.
- The bacterium's ability to modulate surface antigens facilitates immune evasion and chronic infection.
- These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying M. gallisepticum pathogenesis in poultry.
