Proteomic profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from patients with tuberculosis and diabetes copathogenesis - A pilot study

Background Diabetes is an important risk factor for developing tuberculosis. This association leads to exacerbation of tuberculosis symptoms and delayed treatment of both the diseases. Molecular mechanism and biomarkers/drug targets related to copathogenesis of tuberculosis and diabetes, however, still remains to be poorly understood. In this study, proteomics based 2D-MALDI/MS approach was employed to identify host signature proteins which are altered during copathogenesis of tuberculosis and diabetes. Methods Comparative proteome of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls, tuberculosis and diabetes patients in comparison to comorbid diabetes and tuberculosis patients was analyzed. Gel based proteomics approach followed by in gel trypsin digestion and peptide identification by mass spectrometry was used for signature protein identification. Results Total of 18 protein spots with differential expression in TBDM patients in comparison to other groups were identified. These include Vimentin, tubulin beta chain protein, superoxide dismutase, Actin related protein 2/3 complex subunit 2, PDZ LIM domain protein, Rho-GDP dissociation inhibitor, Ras related protein Rab, dCTPpyrophosphatase 1, Transcription initiation factor TFIID subunit 12, coffilin 1, three isoforms of Peptidylprolylcis-trans isomerase A, three isoforms of Protein S100A9, Protein S100A8 and SH3 domain containing protein. These proteins belonged to four functional categories i.e. structural, cell cycle/growth regulation, signaling and intermediary metabolism. Conclusion Proteins identified to be differentially expressed in TBDM patient can act as potent biomarkers and as predictors for copathogenesis of tuberculosis and diabetes.