Proteomic analysis of the marine-derived fungus Paecilomyces sp strain SF-8 in response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

An efficient and unique proteomic response is important for fungi to survive in marine environments polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The marine-derived fungus Paecilomyces sp. strain SF-8 was isolated from the soil of salt production sites and was found to remove different PAHs. The PAH-treated strain SF-8 was characterized using elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Paecilomyces sp. strain SF-8 successfully removed 88% of anthracene, 75% of phenanthrene, 67.5% of benzo[a] anthracene, and 99.3% of benzo[b] fluoranthene. In order to gain insight into the molecular response to PAHs in strain SF-8, proteomics analysis of different cells treated with different PAHs was performed. Comprehensive proteomic analysis revealed that the molecular response of the fungus towards PAH was compound specific. Functional classifications showed heightened regulation of major enzymes involved in cellular function and metabolism, and PAH degradation. The key control protein (salicylaldehyde dehydrogenase) of PAH degradation was specifically over-expressed. Our results collectively demonstrated the influence of PAHs in fungal cellular functioning, development and metabolism.