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Uptake and transbilayer distribution of phosphatidylcholines in Mycoplasma gallisepticum and their effect on cell
Abstract:
Mycoplasma gallisepticum cells grown in a serum-free medium incorporated large amounts of egg-phosphatidylcholine (Egg-PC), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) or dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) added to the growth medium. Egg-PC and DOPC were incorporated at a high rate and to a large extent and were modified by the organisms, whereas DPPC was incorporated at a lower rate and to a lesser extent and was not modified by the cells. The lactoperoxidase-mediated radioiodination applied to study the transbilayer distribution of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in the membranes revealed that the PC in cells grown with DOPC is almost equally distributed in the outer and inner leaflets of M. gallisepticum membranes, while the PC in DPPC-grown cells is preferentially located in the outer leaflet and that in Egg-PC-grown cells is found in the inner leaflet. Thus, in Egg-PC- or DPPC-grown cells the equilibrium in structure and properties between the inner and outer leaflets is disturbed, resulting in dramatic effects on the morphology of M. gallisepticum cells.
Insights
Mycoplasma gallisepticum cells modified their membranes with specific phosphatidylcholines (PCs). Differences in PC incorporation and distribution altered cell morphology, impacting membrane structure.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a significant avian pathogen.
- Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a major component of cell membranes.
- Understanding lipid incorporation in M. gallisepticum is crucial for its pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incorporation and transbilayer distribution of different phosphatidylcholines (PCs) in Mycoplasma gallisepticum.
- To determine the effects of exogenous PCs on M. gallisepticum membrane structure and cell morphology.
Main Methods:
- Culturing M. gallisepticum in serum-free media supplemented with egg-phosphatidylcholine (Egg-PC), dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), or dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC).
- Utilizing lactoperoxidase-mediated radioiodination to assess transbilayer PC distribution.
- Microscopic examination of cell morphology.
Main Results:
- Egg-PC and DOPC were highly incorporated and modified by M. gallisepticum, while DPPC was incorporated less and not modified.
- PC distribution varied: DOPC-grown cells showed even distribution, DPPC-grown cells had PC in the outer leaflet, and Egg-PC-grown cells had PC in the inner leaflet.
- Asymmetrical PC distribution in Egg-PC- or DPPC-grown cells led to significant alterations in M. gallisepticum cell morphology.
Conclusions:
- The type and distribution of phosphatidylcholine significantly influence M. gallisepticum membrane structure and cell morphology.
- Exogenous PCs can be differentially incorporated and modified, leading to membrane asymmetry.
- These findings provide insights into the adaptability of M. gallisepticum membranes and potential targets for intervention.