Quantitative Proteomic Analysis for High- and Low-Aflatoxin-Yield Aspergillus flavus Strains Isolated From Natural
Tao Li1,2, Zhaowei Zhang3, Yu Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
The molecular mechanisms underlying aflatoxin production have been well-studied in strains of the fungus Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) under artificial conditions. However, aflatoxin biosynthesis has rarely been studied in A. flavus strains isolated from field conditions with different aflatoxin-producing ability. In the present study, tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem-mass spectrometry analysis were used for proteomic quantification in natural isolates of high- and low-aflatoxin-yield A. flavus strains. Additionally, findings obtained using the TMT-labeling method were validated using the high-resolution multiple reaction monitoring (MRM-HR) method. In total, 4,363 proteins were quantified, among which 1,045 proteins were differentially expressed between the high- and low-aflatoxin-yield A. flavus strains. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the up-regulated proteins were significantly enriched in carbon-related metabolism and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, whereas the down-regulated proteins were enriched in oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, GST proteins were found to be significantly down-regulated in high-yield A. flavus strains; this result contradicted previous findings obtained from A. flavus strains grown under artificial conditions. In summary, our study provides novel insights into aflatoxin regulation in A. flavus under field conditions and could facilitate the development of various strategies for the effective control of aflatoxin contamination in food crops.
Insights
This study reveals key protein differences in high- versus low-aflatoxin producing Aspergillus flavus strains from field conditions. Findings offer new strategies for controlling aflatoxin contamination in crops.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Proteomics
- Food Safety
Background:
- Aflatoxin production mechanisms in Aspergillus flavus are well-studied under lab conditions.
- Limited research exists on aflatoxin biosynthesis in field-isolated strains with varying production capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare proteomic profiles of high- and low-aflatoxin-yield Aspergillus flavus strains from natural field environments.
- To identify molecular differences influencing aflatoxin production under field conditions.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic quantification using tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry.
- Validation of TMT results with high-resolution multiple reaction monitoring (MRM-HR).
- Bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed proteins.
Main Results:
- Quantified 4,363 proteins, with 1,045 differentially expressed between high- and low-yield strains.
- Up-regulated proteins were enriched in carbon metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis.
- Down-regulated proteins were enriched in oxidative phosphorylation, including significantly reduced GST proteins in high-yield strains.
Conclusions:
- Novel insights into aflatoxin regulation in Aspergillus flavus under field conditions.
- Identified protein expression patterns linked to varying aflatoxin yields.
- Findings support developing strategies for aflatoxin contamination control in food crops.
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