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Lability of host-cell DNA in growing cell cultures due to Mycoplasma
Abstract:
In HeLa-cell cultures chronically infected with Mycoplasma, (PPLO) host-cell DNA is unstable as detected by incorporation of H(3)-or C1 i-thymidine into DNA and subsequent release into the medium as acidsoluble radioactivity. This characteristic can be transmitted to PPLO-free cultures of strain L cells by inoculation with preparations of PPLO from the HeLa cells, although chronically infected cultures of L cells continue to multiply. In addition, virus preparations also may carry PPLO contamination through numerous passages.
Insights
Mycoplasma (PPLO) infection destabilizes host-cell DNA in HeLa cultures, releasing it into the medium. This DNA instability is transmissible to other cell lines via PPLO contamination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chronic Mycoplasma (PPLO) infection in cell cultures can impact host cell physiology.
- Understanding the effects of microbial contamination on host DNA is crucial for cell culture research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of chronic Mycoplasma (PPLO) infection on host-cell DNA stability in HeLa cultures.
- To determine if the observed DNA instability is transmissible to other cell lines.
Main Methods:
- HeLa cell cultures chronically infected with Mycoplasma (PPLO) were used.
- Incorporation of H(3)- or C1 i-thymidine into host-cell DNA was measured.
- Release of acid-soluble radioactivity into the medium was quantified.
- PPLO-free strain L cells were inoculated with PPLO preparations from infected HeLa cells.
Main Results:
- Host-cell DNA in chronically infected HeLa cultures showed instability, evidenced by thymidine incorporation and subsequent release into the medium as acid-soluble radioactivity.
- This DNA instability characteristic was successfully transmitted to PPLO-free strain L cells upon inoculation with PPLO from HeLa cells.
- Chronically infected L cell cultures continued to multiply despite the observed DNA instability.
Conclusions:
- Chronic Mycoplasma (PPLO) infection induces host-cell DNA instability.
- PPLO contamination can transmit DNA instability to susceptible cell lines.
- Mycoplasma contamination poses a significant challenge in maintaining cell culture integrity and requires careful monitoring.