What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine the genetic mechanism governing phase-variable expression of the variable adherence-associated (Vaa) surface adhesin in Mycoplasma hominis.

September 1, 1997Molecular MicrobiologyOpen Access

Localized reversible frameshift mutation in an adhesin gene confers a phase‐variable adherence phenotype in mycoplasma

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

QZQijing ZhangMinistry of Education of the People's Republic of China KWKim S. WiseJ. Craig Venter Institute

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Molecular genetic analysis uncovers reversible frameshift mutations driving phase-variable adherence in Mycoplasma hominis, highlighting how surface diversity aids host colonization.

Key Points

To determine the genetic mechanism governing phase-variable expression of the variable adherence-associated (Vaa) surface adhesin in Mycoplasma hominis.
Evaluated clonal variants from an isogenic lineage of M. hominis with oscillating Vaa expression for adherence to cultured human cells.
Sequenced the vaa coding sequence and 5' flanking promoter regions across Vaa+ and Vaa- phenotypes.
Amplified and analyzed vaa sequences via PCR from joint synovial fluid collected from a patient with M. hominis-associated arthritis.
Vaa expression displayed high-frequency phase variation that strictly correlated with the capacity of M. hominis to adhere to human cells.
Phase variation was driven by an oscillating single adenine insertion or deletion within a 5' poly-A tract of the mature vaa coding sequence, alternating between an intact open reading frame and a premature UAG stop codon.
PCR sequencing of patient synovial fluid demonstrated that this localized frameshift mutation occurs in vivo during human joint infection.

Cite This Study

Zhang et al. (1997) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9229820e9b60bc4641d8a7 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.1997.mmi509.x

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

Molecular genetic analysis uncovers reversible frameshift mutations driving phase-variable adherence in Mycoplasma hominis, highlighting how surface diversity aids host colonization.

Localized reversible frameshift mutation in an adhesin gene confers a phase‐variable adherence phenotype in mycoplasma

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Localized reversible frameshift mutation in an adhesin gene confers a phase‐variable adherence phenotype in mycoplasma

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider