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Creating and Applying a Reference to Facilitate the Discussion and Classification of Proteins in a Diverse Group
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Creating and Applying a Reference to Facilitate the Discussion and Classification of Proteins in a Diverse Group

Published on: August 16, 2017

Closely related dermatophyte species produce different patterns of secreted proteins

Karin Giddey1, Bertrand Favre, Manfredo Quadroni

  • 1Dermatology Service, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.

FEMS Microbiology Letters
|December 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Closely related dermatophyte fungi species secrete distinct protein profiles, aiding identification. Differential gene expression of secreted proteins may relate to habitat adaptation in these common fungal pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Dermatophytes are common fungal agents causing superficial mycoses in humans and animals.
  • Distinguishing between closely related dermatophyte species can be challenging due to overlapping characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if closely related dermatophyte species with different behaviors secrete distinct proteins.
  • To identify specific protein signatures for differentiating fungal species.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of secreted protein profiles from culture filtrates of six dermatophyte species.
  • Identification and cloning of secreted protease genes (Sub2, Sub6, Sub7, Mep3, Mep4).
  • Sequencing of SUB6, SUB7, MEP3, and MEP4 genes.

Main Results:

  • Secreted protein patterns were highly similar within the same species but distinct between different species.
  • Protein profiles successfully differentiated Trichophyton tonsurans from Trichophyton equinum, unlike ribosomal DNA sequencing.
  • Specific subtilisin and fungalisin family proteases were identified.
  • While protein sequences were conserved, secretion levels varied across species.

Conclusions:

  • Secreted protein profiles serve as a species-specific signature for dermatophytes.
  • Differential gene expression of homologous secreted proteins may be linked to fungal habitat adaptation.

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