# The expression of fungal CotH, human glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and predicted miRNAs in macrophages and diabetic mice infected with Rhizopus oryzae

## TL;DR

This study explores how fungal proteins and human genes interact in diabetic mice and macrophages infected with Rhizopus oryzae, revealing how diabetes increases infection risk.

## Contribution

The study identifies novel gene expression patterns of CotH3 and GRP78 in mucormycosis, linking diabetes to heightened fungal infection vulnerability.

## Key findings

- GRP78 gene expression is elevated in infected macrophages and non-diabetic mice but declines in infected diabetic mice.
- Diabetic patients show increased GRP78 expression in sinus tissue, which decreases after treatment.
- hsa-miR-16–5p, hsa-miR-93–3p, and hsa-miR-335–5p are downregulated in infected macrophages.

## Abstract

The spore coat protein homolog (CotH) has been identified among virulence factors of Mucorales that mediate fungal invasion by glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) ligand on endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to examine the gene expressions of spore coat protein homolog 3 (CotH3) and GRP78, along with their target miRNAs, in infected human macrophages, mice models, and mucormycosis patients. To assess changes in the relative expressions of the GPR78 and CotH3 genes, this study used the real-time quantitative PCR method to quantify their target miRNAs in macrophages derived from human monocytes (monocyte-derived macrophages [MDMs]), mice models, and sinus tissue from diabetic patients with mucormycosis. In this study, expressions of GRP78 and CotH3 genes were elevated in infected MDMs and non-diabetic Balb/c mice infected with Rhizopus oryzae, and the expression of the GRP78 gene was upregulated in the non-infected diabetic mice. However, the infected diabetic mice displayed a decline in the GRP78 gene expression. Moreover, although the expression of the GRP78 gene increased in the sinus tissue of diabetic patients with mucormycosis, it significantly decreased in the same patients after treatment. The relative expression of hsa-miR-16–5p, hsa-miR-93–3p, and hsa-miR-335–5p was downregulated in the MDMs. The increased gene expression levels of CotH3 and GPR78 observed in infected macrophages provide insight into the mechanism of interactions between the pathogen and macrophages. Prolonged encounters lead to changes in the expression levels of CotH3 and GPR78 genes.

The research delves into the intricate gene expression patterns of CotH3, a homolog of CotH, and GRP78 in human macrophages, mice models, and diabetic patients afflicted with mucormycosis. The study's findings underscore the pivotal role of diabetes in the host-pathogen interaction, revealing that diabetic conditions amplify the expression of the GRP78 gene, thereby escalating the risk of fungal invasion and growth. This research paper is crucial as it sheds light on the intricate mechanisms underlying mucormycosis infection and underscores the heightened vulnerability of diabetic individuals. By elucidating the roles of CotH3 and GRP78 in the infection process, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of mucormycosis pathogenesis and paves the way for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.