Quantitative proteomics provides an insight into germination-related proteins in the obligate biotrophic plant pathogen Spongospora subterranea

ABSTRACT: The protozoan Spongospora subterranea is an obligate biotrophic soil-borne pathogen, causing powdery scab and root disease of potato. Spores of S. subterranea can remain in their dormant states for years, but exposure to germination stimulants can cause dormant spores to re-enter the mitotic cell cycle. The soil-borne and plant-associated nature of S. subterranea has hindered a detailed study of this pathogen. The regulatory pathways driving the germination processes of S. subterranea are still unknown. In order to better understand the mechanisms that control the transition from cellular dormancy to germination, protein profiles between germinating and resting spores were compared using label-free quantitative proteomics. A total of 681 proteins were identified using shotgun proteomics. These proteins, functioning in carbohydrate metabolism, binding activity, metabolomic process and hydrolyse activity. Twenty proteins were found to be differentially expressed during the germination of S. subterranea resting spores. It is worth noting that not only the upregulation of proteins involved protein synthetase was confirmed also we showed that transcription occurs during the germination of S. subterranea. Elongation factor Tu, histones (H2A and H1), proteasome and DJ-1_PfpI, which are involved in transcription and translation, were upregulated during the germination of spores. Protein such as superoxide dismutase that was constitutively high in both germinating and spores may contribute to the ability of S. subterranea virulence and provide spores with protection from the oxidative stress. Our findings provide the first insights into the basic protein components of S. subterranea spores and provide a better understanding of S. subterranea biology and might lead to the development of novel approaches for the management of persistent soil inoculum.

INSTRUMENT(S):

ORGANISM(S): Spongospora Subterranea

SUBMITTER: Richard Wilson  

LAB HEAD: Dr Richard Wilson

PROVIDER: PXD022089 | Pride | 2026-02-23

REPOSITORIES: Pride