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Expression Profiles of Protease in Onychomycosis-Related Pathogenic Trichophyton rubrum and Tinea Capitis-Related
Jingjing Chen1, Yangmin Gao2, Shuzhen Xiong1
1Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
Abstract:
The two fungal species Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton violaceum are common pathogens on human, infecting keratinized tissue of the outer body parts. Both species are belonging to the "Trichophyton rubrum complex" and share very high similarity in the genome. Secreted proteinases, key factors for keratin degradation, are nearly identical. Contrary, the ecological niches are differing. Trichophyton rubrum preferably infects skin and nails, whereas T. violaceum preferably infects the scalp. We postulate, that differences in the protease expression contribute to differences in ecological preferences. We analyzed the expression profiles of all 22 endoprotease genes, 12 subtilisins (S8A), 5 deuterolysins (M35) and 5 fungalysins (M36), for both species. To compare the influence of the keratin source, we designed experiments with human nail keratin, sheep wool keratin and keratin free cultivation media. Samples were taken at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h post incubation in keratin medium. The expression of the proteases is higher in wool-keratin medium compared to human nail medium, with the exception of MEP4 and SUB6. Expression in the keratin-free medium is lowest. The expression profiles of the two species are remarkable different. The expression of MEP1, MEP3, SUB5, SUB11 and SUB12 are higher in T. rubrum compared to T. violaceum. MEP2, NpIIc, NpIIe, SUB1, SUB3, SUB4, SUB7 and SUB8 are higher expressed in T. violaceum compared to T. rubrum. The differences of the protease expression in the two species may expalin the differences in the ecological niches. Further analysis are necessary to verify the hypothesis.Please check and conform the edit made in title.Here I thinke the species of strains shouldnt be capital， and the right expression should be, "Expression Profiles of Protease in Onychomycosis-Related Pathogenic Trichophyton rubrum and Tinea Capitis-Related Pathogenic Trichophyton violaceum"Author names: Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct se-quence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [Jingjing] Last name [Chen], Author 2 Given name: [Yangmin] Last name [Gao], Author 3 Given name: [Shuzhen] Last name [Xiong], Author 4 Given name: [Ping] Last name [Zhan]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.YesPlease check and confirm the inserted city and country are correctly identified for affiliation 3.Please change the affiliations, Affiliation 2: ²Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province,The Affiliated Dermatology Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330200, Jiangxi; Affiliation 3: 3Institute of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College,Nanchang 330001, Jiangxi. Thanks a lot!
Insights
Differences in protease gene expression between Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton violaceum may explain their distinct ecological niches in causing skin and scalp infections. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton violaceum are common fungal pathogens causing human infections.
- Both species belong to the "Trichophyton rubrum complex" and exhibit high genomic similarity, including nearly identical secreted proteinases crucial for keratin degradation.
- Despite genetic similarities, they occupy different ecological niches: T. rubrum primarily infects skin and nails, while T. violaceum predominantly infects the scalp.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that differential protease gene expression contributes to the distinct ecological preferences of T. rubrum and T. violaceum.
- To compare the expression profiles of 22 endoprotease genes (subtilisins, deuterolysins, fungalysins) in both species under varying keratin conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of protease gene expression profiles for T. rubrum and T. violaceum.
- Experimental incubation of fungi with human nail keratin, sheep wool keratin, and keratin-free media.
- Sample collection at 12, 24, 48, and 96 hours post-incubation.
- Quantitative comparison of protease gene expression levels between the two species and across different media.
Main Results:
- Protease expression was generally higher in wool keratin medium compared to human nail keratin medium, with lowest expression in keratin-free media.
- Significant differences in protease expression profiles were observed between T. rubrum and T. violaceum.
- Specific proteases (MEP1, MEP3, SUB5, SUB11, SUB12) showed higher expression in T. rubrum, while others (MEP2, NpIIc, NpIIe, SUB1, SUB3, SUB4, SUB7, SUB8) were higher in T. violaceum.
Conclusions:
- The observed differences in protease gene expression between T. rubrum and T. violaceum likely contribute to their distinct ecological niches and host tissue preferences.
- These findings provide a molecular basis for understanding the pathogenesis of these common dermatophytes.
- Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate the precise roles of specific proteases in infection.
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