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Spiroplasma species share common DNA sequences among their viruses, plasmids and genomes

J M Ranhand1, I Nur, D L Rose

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD 21701.

Annales De L'Institut Pasteur. Microbiology
|September 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Spiroplasma plasmid pRA1 and spiroplasma type 3 viruses (SV3) share homologous DNA sequences. These common sequences were found in various Spiroplasma species, but their function remains unknown.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Spiroplasmas are helical, wall-less bacteria that inhabit various plant and animal hosts.
  • Spiroplasma viruses, particularly spiroplasma type 3 viruses (SV3), are known to infect certain Spiroplasma species.
  • Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA elements that can confer various advantages to their host bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the DNA sequence homology between a spiroplasma plasmid (pRA1) and spiroplasma type 3 viruses (SV3).
  • To determine the extent of sequence sharing between pRA1, SV3, and other Spiroplasma genetic elements, including extrachromosomal DNA and chromosomal DNA.
  • To explore potential evolutionary or functional relationships indicated by shared DNA sequences within the Spiroplasma genus.

Main Methods:

  • Alkaline-Southern blot analyses were employed to detect DNA-DNA hybridization.
  • Probes derived from spiroplasma plasmid pRA1 and SV3(608) were used to screen DNA from various Spiroplasma isolates.
  • Extrachromosomal and chromosomal DNA from multiple Spiroplasma species and strains were analyzed for sequence homology.

Main Results:

  • Spiroplasma plasmid pRA1 exhibited DNA sequence homology with spiroplasma type 3 viruses (SV3) from multiple S. citri and S. mirum strains.
  • Both pRA1 and SV3(608) DNA shared common sequences with extrachromosomal DNA from 11 different Spiroplasma species/strains.
  • SV3(608) DNA showed homology with chromosomal DNA from 6 Spiroplasma species, but not with chromosomal DNA from 8 other species.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified significant DNA sequence overlap between a spiroplasma plasmid (pRA1) and spiroplasma type 3 viruses (SV3).
  • Common DNA sequences are present in both extrachromosomal and chromosomal DNA across various Spiroplasma species, suggesting potential horizontal gene transfer or conserved elements.
  • The biological significance and function of these shared DNA sequences within the Spiroplasma genus remain to be elucidated.

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