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Variability in the distribution and composition of insertion sequence-like elements in strains of Mycoplasma
1Respiratory and Systemic Infection Laboratory, Central Public Health Laboratory, London, UK. dpitcher@phls.co.uk
Abstract:
Mycoplasma fermentans has been reported to be pathogenic for man. All fourteen strains tested contain an insertion sequence-like element (ISLE) which may be present in multiple copies. To determine whether ISLE copies are similarly distributed in different strains of M. fermentans, restriction enzyme digest fragments of genomic DNA from 14 isolates, from a variety of sources, were separated by electrophoresis, blotted and hybridized to a biotin labelled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified fragment of ISLE. A range of patterns was observed suggesting that the element has a tendency to undergo rearrangement within the genome. Analysis of ISLE sequences revealed inter- and intra-strain polymorphisms.
Insights
Mycoplasma fermentans contains an insertion sequence-like element (ISLE) that rearranges within the genome. This study found significant variations in ISLE distribution across different strains, indicating genomic instability.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma fermentans is a pathogen with potential implications for human health.
- Insertion sequence-like elements (ISLEs) are mobile genetic components found in bacterial genomes.
- The distribution and behavior of ISLEs in M. fermentans strains are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and potential rearrangement of ISLEs within the genomes of fourteen different M. fermentans strains.
- To analyze the genomic variability associated with ISLEs across diverse isolates of M. fermentans.
Main Methods:
- Genomic DNA extraction from 14 M. fermentans isolates.
- Restriction enzyme digestion and Southern blotting of fragmented DNA.
- Hybridization with a biotin-labeled PCR-amplified ISLE fragment to detect element presence and copy number.
Main Results:
- All fourteen M. fermentans strains analyzed contained ISLEs, often in multiple copies.
- A diverse range of Southern blot patterns was observed, suggesting variability in ISLE distribution among strains.
- Analysis revealed both inter- and intra-strain polymorphisms in ISLE sequences and locations, indicating genomic rearrangement.
Conclusions:
- The insertion sequence-like element (ISLE) in Mycoplasma fermentans exhibits a propensity for genomic rearrangement.
- Genomic instability associated with ISLEs may contribute to the diversity observed among M. fermentans strains.
- Further research into ISLE dynamics is warranted to understand their role in M. fermentans pathogenicity and evolution.