A cellular proteomic analysis was performed on Trichoderma aggressivum f. europaeum.
Thirty-four individual protein spots were excised from 2-D electropherograms and analysed
by ESI-Trap Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS). Searches of the
NCBInr and SwissProt protein databases identified functions for 31 of these proteins based
on sequence homology. A differential expression study was performed on the intracellular
fraction of T. aggressivum f. europaeum grown in media containing Agaricus bisporus tissue
and Phase 3 mushroom compost compared to a control medium. Differential expression
was observed for seven proteins, three of which were upregulated in both treatments,
two were down regulated in both treatments and two showed qualitatively different regulation
under the two treatments. No proteins directly relating to fungal cell wall degradation
or other mycoparasitic activity were observed. Functions of differentially produced
intracellular proteins included oxidative stress tolerance, cytoskeletal structure, and cell
longevity. Differential production of these proteins may contribute to the growth of T. aggressivum
in mushroom compost and its virulence toward A. bisporus.