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Enriching Subcellular Proteins in Leptospira Using a Triton X-114-Based Fractionation Approach
Published on: August 8, 2025
Global proteome analysis of Leptospira interrogans
Azad Eshghi1, Paul A Cullen, Laura Cowen
1Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Journal of Proteome Research
|August 12, 2009
Summary
This study reveals how Leptospira interrogans changes its protein expression to survive inside the body. Researchers identified new potential virulence factors crucial for understanding and treating leptospirosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Proteomics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Leptospira interrogans is a pathogenic bacterium causing leptospirosis.
- Understanding bacterial adaptation to host environments is key to identifying virulence factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the global proteome of Leptospira interrogans under in vitro and in vivo-mimicking conditions.
- To identify novel virulence factors of L. interrogans.
Main Methods:
- Comparative proteomic analysis using iTRAQ, LC-ESI-tandem mass spectrometry, 2D gel electrophoresis, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
- Immunoblot, ELISA, and immunofluorescence assays to validate protein expression and localization.
Main Results:
- 563 proteins were identified, with 65 showing altered expression between conditions.
- Upregulation of the known virulence factor Loa22 and 5 novel putative virulence factors was observed.
- Expression of identified proteins was confirmed during hamster infection and in patient serum.
Conclusions:
- Proteome alterations occur in L. interrogans under conditions mimicking in vivo infection.
- This study identified novel putative virulence factors for L. interrogans.
- The findings provide insights into L. interrogans pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
