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Production and Functional Characterization of a Recombinant Predicted Pore-Forming Protein (TVSAPLIP12) of Trichomonas vaginalis in Nicotiana benthamiana Plants

TitleProduction and Functional Characterization of a Recombinant Predicted Pore-Forming Protein (TVSAPLIP12) of Trichomonas vaginalis in Nicotiana benthamiana Plants
Publication TypeArticolo su Rivista peer-reviewed
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsDiaz, N., Lico Chiara, Capodicasa Cristina, Baschieri Selene, Dessì D., Benvenuto Eugenio, Fiori P.L., and Rappelli P.
JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Volume10
ISSN22352988
Keywordsmicrobial virulence, pore-forming protein, recombinant protein in planta, Trichomonas vaginalis, trichopore
Abstract

Pore-forming proteins (PFPs) are a group of functionally versatile molecules distributed in all domains of life, and several microbial pathogens notably use members of this class of proteins as cytotoxic effectors. Among pathogenic protists, Entamoeba histolytica, and Naegleria fowleri display a range of pore-forming toxins belonging to the Saposin-Like Proteins (Saplip) family: Amoebapores and Naegleriapores. Following the genome sequencing of Trichomonas vaginalis, we identified a gene family of 12 predicted saposin-like proteins (TvSaplips): this work focuses on investigating the potential role of TvSaplips as cytopathogenetic effectors. We provide evidence that TvSaplip12 gene expression is potently upregulated upon T. vaginalis contact with target cells. We cloned and expressed recombinant TvSaplip12 in planta and we demonstrate haemolytic, cytotoxic, and bactericidal activities of rTvSaplip12 in vitro. Also, evidence for TvSaplip subcellular discrete distribution in cytoplasmic granules is presented. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of TvSaplip in T. vaginalis pathogenesis, depicting its involvement in the cytolytic and bactericidal activities during the infection process, leading to predation on host cells and resident vaginal microbiota for essential nutrients acquisition. This hence suggests a potential key role for TvSaplip12 in T. vaginalis pathogenesis as a candidate Trichopore. © Copyright © 2020 Diaz, Lico, Capodicasa, Baschieri, Dessì, Benvenuto, Fiori and Rappelli.

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URLhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85092668098&doi=10.3389%2ffcimb.2020.581066&partnerID=40&md5=915fa42ba7581e7bb1c5fe9ac60104c8
DOI10.3389/fcimb.2020.581066
Citation KeyDiaz2020