Whole surface image of Mycoplasma mobile, suggested by protein identification and immunofluorescence microscopy

J Bacteriol. 2012 Nov;194(21):5848-55. doi: 10.1128/JB.00976-12. Epub 2012 Aug 24.

Abstract

Mycoplasma mobile, a freshwater fish pathogen featured with robust gliding motility, binds to the surface of the gill, where it then colonizes. Here, to obtain a whole image of its cell surface, we identified the proteins exposed on the surface using the following methods. (i) The cell surface was labeled with sulfosuccinimidyl-6-(biotinamido) hexanoate and recovered by an avidin column. (ii) The cells were subjected to phase partitioning using Triton X-114, and the hydrophobic proteins were recovered. (iii) The membrane fraction was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. These recovered proteins were subjected to peptide mass fingerprinting, and a final list of 36 expressed surface proteins was established. The ratio of identified proteins to whole surface proteins was estimated through two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the membrane fraction. The localization of three newly found proteins, Mvsps C, E, and F, has been clarified by immunofluorescence microscopy. Integrating all information, a whole image of the cell surface showed that the proteins for gliding that were localized at the base of the protrusion of flask-shaped M. mobile account for more than 12% of all surface proteins and that Mvsps, surface variants that were localized at both parts other than the neck, account for 49% of all surface proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / analysis*
  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Membrane Proteins / analysis*
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mycoplasma / chemistry*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins