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Trace-elements driven up-regulation of secreted proteases expression in the human-pathogenic fungus Trichophyton
Oliver Blechert1, Shanyu Lan2, Shuzhen Xiong2
1Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China.
Background:
Trichophyton rubrum is a widespread human pathogenic fungus, colonizing keratinized tissue of outer body-parts. Thereby, the pathogen is relying on nutrients available from the host. The invasive mechanism of the pathogen is relaying on secreted proteases, which hydrolyze skin-proteins for subsequent up-take.
Methods:
In this study, we analyzed the gene expression of secreted proteases by RNAseq. In the results, we show the expression profile of 31 secreted protease genes under three conditions: keratin medium and keratin medium with trace-elements or with glucose.
Results:
By adding trace-elements to keratin medium, the expression of secreted proteases increased from 1.8 % to 3.3 %. Across all groups of secreted proteases, higher expression was observed. The genes SUB4, MEP1, MEP3, MEP5, MEP9, LAP1, LAP2 and MCPA were significantly stronger expressed, whereby MEP5 (∼6 fold) and SUB4 (∼5.8 fold) were strongest up-regulated.
Discussion:
We discuss the influence and significance of trace-elements on secreted proteases. Further, we speculate about the disturbed nutritional immunity in psoriatic and atopic skin as factor for increased risk of getting severe T. rubrum infections.
Insights
Trace elements significantly boost the expression of secreted proteases in Trichophyton rubrum, a fungus that causes skin infections. This finding may explain why certain skin conditions increase infection severity.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Trichophyton rubrum is a common fungal pathogen affecting human keratinized tissues.
- The fungus invades skin by secreting proteases that break down host proteins.
- Nutrient availability from the host is crucial for fungal growth and invasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of trace elements and glucose on the gene expression of secreted proteases in T. rubrum.
- To identify specific protease genes regulated by these nutritional factors.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing (RNAseq) was used to analyze gene expression.
- The study compared gene expression profiles under three conditions: keratin medium, keratin medium with trace elements, and keratin medium with glucose.
- Thirty-one secreted protease genes were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Adding trace elements to keratin medium increased overall secreted protease expression from 1.8% to 3.3%.
- Genes such as SUB4, MEP1, MEP3, MEP5, MEP9, LAP1, LAP2, and MCPA showed significantly higher expression.
- MEP5 (approximately 6-fold) and SUB4 (approximately 5.8-fold) were the most upregulated genes.
Conclusions:
- Trace elements play a significant role in regulating the expression of secreted proteases in T. rubrum.
- Disturbed nutritional immunity in conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis may increase susceptibility to severe T. rubrum infections.
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