Molecular Biology and Pathogenicity of Mycoplasmas

was the result of the efforts of Robert Cleverdon. The rapidly developing discipline of molecular biology and the rapidly expanding knowledge of the PPLO were brought together at this meeting. In addition to the PPLO specialists, the conference invited Julius Marmur to compare PPLO DNA to DNA of other organisms; David Garfinkel, who was one of the first to develop computer models of metabolism; Cyrus Levinthal to talk about coding; and Henry Quastler to discuss information theory constraints on very small cells. The conference was an announcement of the role of PPLO in the fundamental understanding of molecular biology. Looking back 40-some years to the Connecticut meeting, it was a rather bold enterprise. The meeting was international and inter-disciplinary and began a series of important collaborations with influences resonating down to the present. If I may be allowed a personal remark, it was where I first met Shmuel Razin, who has been a leading figure in the emerging mycoplasma research and a good friend. This present volume is in some ways the fulfillment of the promise of that early meeting. It is an example of the collaborative work of scientists in building an understanding of fundamental aspects of biology.

Klappentext

The recent sequencing of mycoplasma genomes has marked a turning point in the molecular genetic analysis of these microorganisms. Transcriptome and proteome analyses promise to provide the first definition of the total protein complement of a cell. The mycoplasma group includes the smallest known self-replicating organisms carrying the smallest number of genes. No wonder, therefore, that mycoplasmas have a special appeal to those interested in deciphering the minimal set of genes essential for life. Mycoplasma genomics facilitated better understanding of mycoplasma pathogenesis. Most impressive are the findings concerning the interaction of mycoplasmas with the immune system, macrophage activation, cytokine induction, mycoplasma cell components acting as superantigens, and autoimmune manifestations. The molecular definition of mycoplasmal adhesins responsible for mycoplasma attachment to host cells and evasion of the host immune system by antigenic variation of mycoplasmal surface components are other `hot' subjects of research. Demonstration of the ability of mycoplasmas to enter host cells, cause fusogenic, apoptotic and oncogenic effects, as well as the possible association of mycoplasmas with arthritis, had their share in intensifying research on mycoplasma pathogenesis, bringing more researchers into the circle of those interested in this group of organisms. The present book is a comprehensive, up-to-date, multi-authored treatise.

Inhalt
Mycoplasma Diversity and Cell Biology.- Taxonomy of Mollicutes.- Phylogeny and Evolution.- Mycoplasmas of Humans.- Mycoplasmas of Animals.- Mycoplasmas of Plants and Insects.- Cell Division.- The Cell Membrane and Transport.- Central Carbohydrate Pathways: Metabolic Flexibility and the Extra Role of Some Housekeeping Enzymes.- Database Systems for the Analysis of Biochemical Pathways.- Molecular Genetics.- Mycoplasmas and the Minimal Genome Concept.- Comparative Genome Analysis of the Mollicutes.- Transcriptome and Proteome Analyses of Mollicutes.- DNA Replication, Repair and Stress Response.- Transcription and Translation.- Extrachromosomal Elements and Gene Transfer.- Restriction-Modification Systems and Chromosomal Rearrangements in Mycoplasmas.- Pathogenesis.- Invasion of Mycoplasmas into and Fusion with Host Cells.- Apoptotic, Antiapoptotic, Clastogenic and Oncogenic Effects.- Genetic Mechanisms of Surface Variation.- Immunomodulation by Mycoplasmas: Artifacts, Facts and Active Molecules.- Mycoplasma arthritidis Pathogenicity: Membranes, MAM, and MAV1.- Cytadherence and the Cytoskeleton.- Mycoplasma pneumoniae Disease Manifestations and Epidemiology.- Diagnosis of Mycoplasmal Infections.- Antimycoplasmal Agents.