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Identification and characterisation of sPEPs in Cryptococcus neoformans.
Paige E Erpf1, Sheena M H Chua1, Toan K Phung1
1The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; The University of Queensland, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
Researchers identified novel short open reading frame-encoded peptides (sPEPs) in Cryptococcus neoformans using a new enrichment and proteogenomic approach. One discovered sPEP, Npb1, functions similarly to bacterial trans-translation proteins.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Short open reading frame-encoded peptides (sPEPs) are increasingly recognized across species.
- Identification and characterization of sPEPs in Cryptococcus neoformans have been hindered by a lack of standardized methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement an enrichment and proteogenomic strategy for sPEP detection in C. neoformans.
- To identify and validate novel sORFs and their encoded sPEPs within the C. neoformans genome.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel enrichment process for sPEP detection in C. neoformans protein samples.
- Utilized proteogenomics to validate predicted and hypothetical sORFs.
- Generated specific point mutations and a full deletion allele for functional characterization of a novel sPEP (Npb1).
Main Results:
- Successfully enabled sPEP detection in the polysaccharide-encapsulated yeast C. neoformans.
- Discovered novel sORFs in 5' and 3' UTRs of known transcripts and within non-coding RNAs.
- Characterized a novel sPEP, Npb1, demonstrating functional similarity to bacterial SmpB.
Conclusions:
- The developed proteogenomic approach is effective for sPEP discovery in C. neoformans.
- Identified novel sPEPs, including Npb1, expanding the known functional landscape of this fungal pathogen.
- Npb1 represents a novel sPEP with a conserved function related to bacterial trans-translation.
