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Characterization of Immune Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles and Studying Functional Impact on Cell Environment
Published on: June 2, 2020
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Extracellular Vesicle Subproteome Differences among Filifactor alocis Clinical Isolates
Kai Bao1, Rolf Claesson2, Georgios N Belibasakis1
1Division of Oral Diseases, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14104 Huddinge, Sweden.
Microorganisms
|September 23, 2022
Summary
This study identified 25 extracellular vesicle (EV) proteins in ten Filifactor alocis strains, revealing consistent expression in some proteins but differential expression in others, including a novel RTX toxin. These findings suggest potential variations in EV virulence among different F. alocis strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Proteomics
- Oral Health
Background:
- Filifactor alocis is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium linked to oral infections.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key virulence factors in microbial pathogenesis.
- Previous studies identified 28 proteins in F. alocis EVs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively characterize EV proteins in the F. alocis reference strain and nine clinical isolates using label-free quantification proteomics.
- To identify differentially expressed EV proteins and analyze protein-protein interactions.
- To assess the conservation and variation of EV protein profiles across different F. alocis strains.
Main Methods:
- Label-free quantification proteomics was employed to analyze EV proteins.
- Ten F. alocis strains, including a reference strain and nine clinical isolates, were studied.
- Protein-protein interaction analysis was performed to understand functional associations.
Main Results:
- A total of 25 EV proteins were identified and 24 quantified across the ten strains.
- Sixteen proteins showed differential expression, including the novel FtxA RTX toxin and a lipoprotein.
- Consistent expression was noted for ribosomal proteins, L-arginine biosynthesis proteins, and type IV pilin proteins.
- Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed 21 functional associations among 19 EV proteins, with FtxA showing no predicted interactions.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully charted 25 EV proteins in ten F. alocis strains.
- While many EV proteins were consistently expressed, differential expression of certain proteins, like FtxA, suggests variations in virulence potential.
- These findings highlight the importance of EVs in F. alocis pathogenesis and underscore strain-specific differences in virulence.
