AUTHOR=Li Tingting , Yuan Hongxia , Zhang Wenjun , Guo Fangyi 

TITLE=Survival strategies of mycoplasmas: the critical role of post-translational modifications

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1688880

DOI=10.3389/fcimb.2025.1688880

ISSN=2235-2988

ABSTRACT=Mycoplasmas are unique prokaryotic pathogens distinguished by their lack of a cell wall. These microorganisms are widespread in nature and can cause severe infections, leading to substantial tissue damage. Recent advances in mycoplasmology, driven by developments in molecular biology and proteomics, have provided novel insights into their pathogenicity and pathogenic mechanisms. However, critical knowledge gaps remain in understanding their biology. Emerging evidence highlights the crucial role of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) in regulating mycoplasma physiology, including virulence, metabolic adaptation, and persistence. Investigating mycoplasma PTMs in greater depth promises to expand our understanding of their pathogenic strategies and may reveal new targets for therapeutic intervention against mycoplasma-associated diseases.