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Published on: August 5, 2016
Comparative proteome analysis of Brucella melitensis vaccine strain Rev 1 and a virulent strain, 16M
Michel Eschenbrenner1, Mary Ann Wagner, Troy A Horn
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine, The University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510, USA.
Abstract:
The genus Brucella consists of bacterial pathogens that cause brucellosis, a major zoonotic disease characterized by undulant fever and neurological disorders in humans. Among the different Brucella species, Brucella melitensis is considered the most virulent. Despite successful use in animals, the vaccine strains remain infectious for humans. To understand the mechanism of virulence in B. melitensis, the proteome of vaccine strain Rev 1 was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and compared to that of virulent strain 16M. The two strains were grown under identical laboratory conditions. Computer-assisted analysis of the two B. melitensis proteomes revealed proteins expressed in either 16M or Rev 1, as well as up- or down-regulation of proteins specific for each of these strains. These proteins were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. It was found that certain metabolic pathways may be deregulated in Rev 1. Expression of an immunogenic 31-kDa outer membrane protein, proteins utilized for iron acquisition, and those that play a role in sugar binding, lipid degradation, and amino acid binding was altered in Rev 1.
Insights
Brucella melitensis vaccine strain Rev 1 shows altered protein expression compared to virulent strain 16M, potentially explaining differences in virulence. This proteomic analysis offers insights into Brucella pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Proteomics
- Pathogen analysis
Background:
- Brucella are bacterial pathogens causing brucellosis, a significant zoonotic disease.
- Brucella melitensis is a highly virulent species, and its vaccine strains can remain infectious in humans.
- Understanding virulence mechanisms is crucial for developing safer vaccines and treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the proteomes of Brucella melitensis vaccine strain Rev 1 and virulent strain 16M.
- To identify differentially expressed proteins and understand virulence mechanisms in B. melitensis.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) for proteome analysis.
- Peptide mass fingerprinting for protein identification.
- Computer-assisted analysis of proteomic data.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in protein expression were observed between B. melitensis Rev 1 and 16M strains.
- Proteins involved in iron acquisition, sugar binding, lipid degradation, and amino acid binding showed altered expression in Rev 1.
- An immunogenic 31-kDa outer membrane protein was differentially expressed.
- Metabolic pathways may be deregulated in the vaccine strain.
Conclusions:
- Proteomic differences between B. melitensis vaccine and virulent strains provide insights into virulence mechanisms.
- Altered expression of specific proteins, including those involved in nutrient acquisition and outer membrane structure, may contribute to virulence variations.
- Further research into these differentially expressed proteins could inform the development of improved Brucella vaccines.
