Abstract

Mycoplasmas are fastidious microorganisms, typically characterised by their restricted metabolism and minimalist genome. Although there is reported evidence that some mycoplasmas can develop biofilms little is known about any differences in metabolism in these organisms between the growth states. A systematic metabolomics approach may help clarify differences associated between planktonic and biofilm associated mycoplasmas. In the current study, the metabolomics of two different mycoplasmas of clinical importance (Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma fermentans) were examined using a novel approach involving nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and principle component analysis. Characterisation of metabolic changes was facilitated through the generation of high-density metabolite data and diffusion-ordered spectroscopy that provided the size and structural information of the molecules under examination. This enabled the discrimination between biofilms and planktonic states for the metabolomic profiles of both organisms. This work identified clear biofilm/planktonic differences in metabolite composition for both clinical mycoplasmas and the outcomes serve to establish a baseline understanding of the changes in metabolism observed in these pathogens in their different growth states. This may offer insight into how these organisms are capable of exploiting and persisting in different niches and so facilitate their survival in the clinical setting.

Highlights

  • Mycoplasmas are fastidious microorganisms, typically characterised by their restricted metabolism and minimalist genome

  • This study identified the presence of creatine in the biofilm of both M. fermentans and M. pneumoniae were higher than their planktonic counterparts (Figs. 2 and 6)

  • The results obtained suggested that metabolic pathways in human mycoplasmas, such as M. fermentans and M. pneumoniae were regulated by multiple enzymatic reactions in order to fulfil key metabolic activities

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Mycoplasmas are fastidious microorganisms, typically characterised by their restricted metabolism and minimalist genome. Characterisation of metabolic changes was facilitated through the generation of high-density metabolite data and diffusion-ordered spectroscopy that provided the size and structural information of the molecules under examination This enabled the discrimination between biofilms and planktonic states for the metabolomic profiles of both organisms. The view proposed b­ y11,12 suggested that bacteria (potentially including mycoplasmas) attached to surfaces have differing metabolic activities compared to their planktonic counterparts due to physiochemical conditions and physiological characteristics expressed as a result of their growth This phenomenon has been shown in biofilms produced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, where a variety of cellular process including energy metabolism and biofilm development are influenced by certain p­ olysaccharides[13]. In order to better understand mycoplasma biofilms and their influence in disease a comprehensive characterisation of their differing metabolic states is necessary within this complex cellular community Metabolomics can provide such a systematic approach. In order to manage the analysis of these metabolites, chemomx software was utilised to identify the major features within NMR spectrum, such as the absence or presence of peaks, the change in the shape of peak intensity, or the change in chemical shifts that distinguish between the two c­ lasses[16,17]

Objectives
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call