Polysaccharide Fraction Extracted from Endophytic Fungus Trichoderma atroviride D16 Has an Influence on the Proteomics Profile of the Salvia miltiorrhiza Hairy Roots

Abstract

Trichoderma atroviride develops a symbiont relationship with Salvia miltiorrhiza and this association involves a number of signaling pathways and proteomic responses between both partners. In our previous study, we have reported that polysaccharide fraction (PSF) of T. atroviride could promote tanshinones accumulation in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots. Consequently, the present data elucidates the broad proteomics changes under treatment of PSF. Furthermore, we reported several previously undescribed and unexpected responses, containing gene expression patterns consistent with biochemical stresses and metabolic patterns inside the host. In summary, the PSF-induced tanshinones accumulation in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots may be closely related to Ca2+ triggering, peroxide reaction, protein phosphorylation, and jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction, leading to an increase in leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein synthesis. This results in the changes in basic metabolic flux of sugars, amino acids, and protein synthesis, along with signal defense reactions. The results reported here increase our understanding of the interaction between T. atroviride and S. miltiorrhiza and specifically confirm the proteomic responses underlying the activities of PSF.