Regulation of Carbon Metabolism in the Mollicutes and Its Relation to Virulence

摘要: The mollicutes are cell wall-less bacteria that live in close association with their eukaryotic hosts. Their genomes strongly reduced and so metabolic capabilities. A survey of the available genome sequences reveals capable utilizing sugars as source carbon energy via glycolysis. pentose phosphate pathway is incomplete these bacteria, genes encoding enzymes tricarboxylic acid cycle absent from genomes. Sugars transported by phosphotransferase system. As related system does also seem to play a regulatory role can be concluded functionality HPr kinase/phosphorylase. In Mycoplasma pneumoniae, activity kinase triggered presence glycerol. This may important for since it epithelial tissues its metabolism results formation hydrogen peroxide, major virulence factor several mollicutes. plant-pathogenic such Spiroplasma citri, regulation crucial adaptation life plant or insect vectors. Thus, seems intimately linked pathogenicity