Effect of Mycoplasmas on Apoptosis of 32D Cells Is Species-Dependent

Abstract

We previously showed that mycoplasmal infection effectively prevented apoptosis of infected cells, whereas other researchers have indicated that mycoplasmal infection promoted apoptosis. To understand the mechanism underlying this discrepancy, five different species of mycoplasmas were investigated for their effects on apoptosis of interleukin (IL)-3-dependent 32D cells. Results revealed that Mycoplasma fermentans and M. penetrans effectively supported continuous growth of 32D cells after IL-3 withdrawal. M. fermentans was more potent than M. penetrans. This effect was achieved by way of preventing apoptosis and stimulating cell proliferation. On the contrary, M. hominis and M. salivarium accelerated apoptosis of 32D cells. M. genitalium had no significant effect on apoptosis. The RNase protection assay indicated that the proapoptotic and antiapoptotic mycoplasmas altered the expression of major apoptosis regulatory genes differently. The difference in apoptosis regulatory gene expression induced by different species of mycoplasmas might be accountable for their effects on host cell apoptosis.

Effects of mycoplasma infection on the host organism response via p53/NF‐κB signaling

“…In contrast, M. hominis and Mycoplasma salivarium accelerated apoptosis of 32D cells and M. genitalium had no significant effect on apoptosis. The authors of the cited work suggested that different species of mycoplasma can modify the expression of key regulatory genes of apoptosis in different ways and therefore may have either a pro‐ or an antiapoptotic effect (S. Zhang & Lo, ). The molecular nature of the differences between species of mycoplasmas in their ability to modulate signaling one way or another is still not clear.…”

Mycoplasma genitalium and Cancer: A Brief Review

“…Thus, they suggested that M hominis, M genitalium infections do not play any major role in cervical carcinoma development (Biernat-Sudolska et al, 2011). At least there are two studies related to the M genitalium effects on apoptosis, in one of them, the data did not show any significant effect on apoptosis in M genitalium-infected 32D (a murine myeloid cell) cell line (Zhang and Lo, 2007). In contrast, the other one indicated M genitalium can inhibit apoptosis in 32D cell line (Feng et al, 1999).…”

Phenotypic Characterization ofMycoplasma synoviaeInduced Changes in the Metabolic and Sensitivity Profile ofIn VitroInfected Chicken Chondrocytes

“…Mycoplasma species are known for their apoptosis-modulating effects on host cells. However, these vary from apoptosis induction [25, 26] to inhibition of cell death [27, 28], indicating that additional research should be made to clarify these data.…”