Comparative genome analysis of proteases, oligopeptide uptake and secretion systems in Mycoplasma spp

Mycoplasmas are very fastidious in their nutritional requirements for in vitro growth and have limited biosynthetic capacity, a reflection of their reduced genomes. As a result, these bacteria depend upon external metabolites for nutrition and growth and have developed dependence on their hosts for survival and maintenance. Protein degradation and peptide importation play an important role in Mycoplasma spp. nutrition, and proteases can play a role in host adaptation and pathogenicity. Here, we present a general survey on the genes involved in protein degradation, secretion and importation, comparing all available Mollicute genomes.