The gliding mechanism of Mycoplasma gallisepticum

The ability to move enables many mycoplasmas and bacteria to reach a specific niche or to leave hostile environments. The organism Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a poultry pathogen that is capable of gliding over solid surfaces. Scientists have now identified the proteins responsible for this gliding mechanism.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is related to the human pathogen Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the causative agent of human bronchitis and pneumonia. Researchers have found that its abilityto glide requires the proteins GapA, CrmA and Mgc2.

For further details see:

Ivana Indikova, Martin Vronka, Michael P Szostak. First identification of proteins involved in motility of Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Veterinary Research, 2014; 45 (1): 99 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-014-0099-2

Posted by Tim Sandle