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Regions of Mycoplasma pneumoniae cytadhesin P1 structural gene exist as multiple copies

C J Su1, A Chavoya, J B Baseman

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7758.

Infection and Immunity
|December 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant human respiratory pathogen.
  • The cytadhesin P1 protein is crucial for M. pneumoniae adherence to host cells.
  • Understanding the P1 gene's structure and copy number is key to studying its regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the gene copy number of the Mycoplasma pneumoniae cytadhesin P1 structural gene.
  • To determine which regions of the P1 gene exist as single or multiple copies within the M. pneumoniae genome.

Main Methods:

  • Nick translation labeling of the P1 gene and flanking regions.
  • Restriction enzyme digestion and agarose gel purification of P1 gene segments.
  • Subcloning into pUC19, purification, and nick translation labeling of segments.
  • Hybridization of labeled P1 gene segments to the M. pneumoniae genome under stringent conditions.

Main Results:

  • The P1 gene probe hybridized to multiple bands of M. pneumoniae genomic DNA.
  • Specific regions near the middle and carboxy terminus of the P1 gene hybridized to single copies.
  • Other P1 gene segments hybridized to multiple bands, indicating extensive homology with other genomic regions.

Conclusions:

  • The Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1 gene exhibits both single- and multiple-copy domains.
  • Extensive homology exists between parts of the P1 gene and other regions of the M. pneumoniae genome.
  • This suggests potential complexity in P1 gene expression and regulation.

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