Dual RNA-Seq Analysis of Trichophyton rubrum and HaCat Keratinocyte Co-Culture Highlights Important Genes for Fungal-Host Interaction

Author(s)

Petrucelli, Monise Fazolin ^[1] ; Peronni, Kamila ^[2] ; Sanches, Pablo Rodrigo ^[3] ; Komoto, Tatiana Takahasi ^[1] ; Matsuda, Josie Budag ^[1] ; da Silva Jr, Wilson Araujo ; Beleboni, Rene Oliveira ^[1] ; Martinez-Rossi, Nilce Maria ^[3] ; Marins, Mozart ^[1] ; Fachin, Ana Lucia ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Ribeirao Preto UNAERP, Biotechnol Unit, BR-2201 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Reg Hemotherapy Ctr Ribeirao Preto, Lab Mol Genet & Bioinformat, BR-2501 Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Dept Genet, BR-14049900 Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: GENES; v. 9, n. 7 JUL 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

The dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum is the major fungal pathogen of skin, hair, and nails that uses keratinized substrates as the primary nutrients during infection. Few strategies are available that permit a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction of T. rubrum with the host because of the limitations of models mimicking this interaction. Dual RNA-seq is a powerful tool to unravel this complex interaction since it enables simultaneous evaluation of the transcriptome of two organisms. Using this technology in an in vitro model of co-culture, this study evaluated the transcriptional profile of genes involved in fungus-host interactions in 24 h. Our data demonstrated the induction of glyoxylate cycle genes, ERG6 and TERG\_00916, which encodes a carboxylic acid transporter that may improve the assimilation of nutrients and fungal survival in the host. Furthermore, genes encoding keratinolytic proteases were also induced. In human keratinocytes (HaCat) cells, the SLC11A1, RNASE7, and CSF2 genes were induced and the products of these genes are known to have antimicrobial activity. In addition, the FLG and KRT1 genes involved in the epithelial barrier integrity were inhibited. This analysis showed the modulation of important genes involved in T. rubrum-host interaction, which could represent potential antifungal targets for the treatment of dermatophytoses. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/22701-9 - Study of the response to antifungal and fungal-host interaction of T.rubrum dermatophyte using different models of infection
• Grantee: Ana Lucia Fachin Saltoratto
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants