Modulation of TvRAD51 Recombinase in <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> by Zinc and Cadmium as a Potential Mechanism for Genotoxic Stress Response

Modulation of TvRAD51 Recombinase in <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> by Zinc and Cadmium as a Potential Mechanism for Genotoxic Stress Response

<i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>, the protozoan responsible for trichomoniasis, encounters fluctuating levels of metal cations in the male urogenital tract, notably zinc (Zn<sup>2+</sup>) and cadmium (Cd<sup>2+</sup>), which may induce genotoxic stress. While zinc is...

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Main Authors: Jonathan Puente-Rivera, José Jesús Flores-Vega, Marcos Morales-Reyna, Elisa Elvira Figueroa-Angulo, Yussel Pérez-Navarro, Alfonso Salgado-Aguayo, Ángeles Carlos-Reyes, Maria Elizbeth Alvarez-Sánchez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Pathogens
Subjects:
<i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>
DNA damage
TvRAD51
zinc
cadmium
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/6/565
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Summary:<i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>, the protozoan responsible for trichomoniasis, encounters fluctuating levels of metal cations in the male urogenital tract, notably zinc (Zn<sup>2+</sup>) and cadmium (Cd<sup>2+</sup>), which may induce genotoxic stress. While zinc is a key physiological component of the male reproductive tract, both Zn<sup>2+</sup> and Cd<sup>2+</sup> can become genotoxic at elevated concentrations. However, their effect on DNA repair mechanisms in <i>T. vaginalis</i> remains poorly understood. This study characterizes, for the first time, the expression and modulation of the recombinase TvRAD51, a homologous recombination (HR) key enzyme, in response to UV irradiation and sublethal concentrations of Zn<sup>2+</sup> (1.6 mM) and Cd<sup>2+</sup> (0.1 mM). In silico analyses confirmed the presence and conserved structure of the tvrad51 gene and its interaction with HR-related proteins, such as TvBLM and TvBRCA2. Quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assays revealed that TvRAD51 is upregulated at both transcript and protein levels following UV- and cation-induced DNA damage, with distinct temporal expression patterns for Zn<sup>2+</sup> and Cd<sup>2+</sup> exposure. Notably, TvRAD51 showed nuclear localization at early time points post-exposure, suggesting active participation in DNA repair processes. These findings demonstrate that TvRAD51 is a central component of the genotoxic stress response in <i>T. vaginalis</i>, potentially contributing to parasite survival and adaptation in hostile environments through homologous recombination repair pathways.
ISSN:2076-0817

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