Mycoplasmas are serious contaminants of cell cultures. They affect cell growth by competing with cultured cells for medium nutrients resulting in profound effects on cell metabolism and function. Mycoplasmas can modulate cytokine production of cells, influence virus propagation in cell cultures and induce chromosomal aberrations in vitro. A strong infection of mycoplasma can result in total cell death of a culture. They are the smallest self-replicating prokaryotes and cannot be detected by standard light microscopy. In order to control contamination and maintain mycoplasma-free cell lines, periodic testing using efficient detection methods is essential. Cancer Research UK Cell Services offer a screening service to all funded scientists and can eradicate mycoplasma from infected cultures. Detection is performed first by fluorescence and confirmed by agar culture and MycoDtect (which is a PCR-based technique capable of determining some species of mycoplasma). Eradication involves treating your cells with a mycoplasma removal agent followed by quarantine for 3 months to ensure the mycoplasma does not return.
If you require any further information about this or the other services we provide, please contact cell.services@cancer.org.uk
