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

Purpose: Evaluate the transcriptional profile of genes involved in fungus-host interactions using RNA sequencing Methods: T. rubrum and HaCat cells line were co-cultured in RPMI medium supplemented with 5% of fetal bovine serum and were incubated for 24 h at 37ºC in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 , followed RNA by extraction of both organisms, libraries construction and sequence. Results: Our data demonstrated the induction of specific genes that may improve the assimilation of nutrients and fungal survival in the host and genes encoding keratinolytic proteases that are important for T. rubrum virulence during infection. In HaCat cell lines it were induced genes encoding antimicrobial activity , cell migration and epithelial barrier repair. Futhermore, the genes KRT1 and FLG involved in epithelial barrier integrity were repressed Conclusions: This mixed transcriptome analysis showed the modulation of important genes involved in the mechanism of T. rubrum infection and in the defense and maintenance of cell homeostasis of keratinocytes, which could represent potential antifungal targets for new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of dermatophytoses Overall design: The transcriptional profile of T. rubrum and keratinocytes co-culture was assessed using the RNA-sequencing technique in order to provide new insights about fungal-host interaction.