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3D modelling of the pathogenic Leptospira protein LipL32: A bioinformatics approach
Sharmilah Kumari Kumaran1, Mohd Faizal Abu Bakar2, Hirzahida Mohd-Padil2
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira species (Leptospiraceae). LipL32 is an abundant lipoprotein from the outer membrane proteins (OMPs) group, highly conserved among pathogenic and intermediate Leptospira species. Several studies used LipL32 as a specific gene to identify the presence of leptospires. This research was aimed to study the characteristics of LipL32 protein gene code, to fill the knowledge gap concerning the most appropriate gene that can be used as antigen to detect the Leptospira. Here, we investigated the features of LipL32 in fourteen Leptospira pathogenic strains based on comparative analyses of their primary, secondary structures and 3D modeling using a bioinformatics approach. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of LipL32 in different strains were studied, shedding light on the identity of signal peptides, as well as on the secondary and tertiary structure of the LipL32 protein, supported by 3D modelling assays. The results showed that the LipL32 gene was present in all the fourteen pathogenic Leptospira strains used in this study, with limited diversity in terms of sequence conservation, hydrophobic group, hydrophilic group and number of turns (random coil). Overall, these results add basic knowledge to the characteristics of LipL32 protein, contributing to the identification of potential antigen candidates in future research, in order to ensure prompt and reliable detection of pathogenic Leptospira species.
Insights
The LipL32 protein gene is highly conserved across pathogenic Leptospira strains, making it a reliable target for detecting this zoonotic disease. This study analyzed its structure and properties to identify optimal antigen candidates for leptospirosis diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bioinformatics
- Immunology
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a significant zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira species.
- LipL32, an outer membrane protein, is conserved among pathogenic Leptospira and frequently used for detection.
- Knowledge gaps exist regarding the optimal LipL32 gene characteristics for reliable Leptospira detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of the LipL32 protein gene code.
- To identify the most appropriate gene for use as an antigen in Leptospira detection.
- To analyze the primary, secondary, and 3D structures and physicochemical properties of LipL32.
Main Methods:
- Comparative bioinformatics analysis of LipL32 from fourteen pathogenic Leptospira strains.
- Analysis of primary and secondary structures, 3D modeling, and physicochemical properties.
- Investigation of signal peptides and secondary/tertiary structures using 3D modeling.
Main Results:
- The LipL32 gene was present in all fourteen pathogenic Leptospira strains analyzed.
- Limited diversity was observed in sequence conservation, hydrophobic/hydrophilic groups, and random coil regions.
- Physicochemical properties and structural features of LipL32 were elucidated across different strains.
Conclusions:
- LipL32 exhibits high conservation and consistent characteristics across pathogenic Leptospira strains.
- These findings contribute fundamental knowledge about LipL32 protein.
- LipL32 is a promising candidate antigen for developing prompt and reliable diagnostic tools for leptospirosis.
