Screening and Identification of the Binding Peptides of Mycoplasma genitalium Protein of Adhesion

Abstract

Mycoplasma genitalium protein of adhesion (MgPa) is a vital membrane protein, which plays an important role in mediating the adhesion and infection of M. genitalium to host cells. This study aims to screen and identify the specific binding peptides of MgPa. Phage display with random 12-mer and 7-mer peptide libraries was carried out to obtain the phages specifically bound to recombinant MgPa (rMgPa). Two concensus core sequences, i.e. VHWDFRQWWQPS and DWSSWVH(Y)RDPQT(S), were identified from the 12-mer peptide library and one consistent core sequence, i.e. HYIDFRW, was obtained from the 7-mer peptide library. Representative phages containing any of the three sequences could specifically bind to rMgPa. The three peptides shared high homology with human antigens as showed by BLAST analysis. The three potential binding peptides of MgPa may provide some experimental evidence for further understanding the biological functions of MgPa and pathogenic mechanisms of M. genitalium.