The transcriptomic and proteomic changes of Hannaella sinensis in response to patulin stress

Patulin (PAT) is a significant mycotoxin contaminant of fruit and fruit products. Hannaella sinensis is an antagonistic yeast that controls postharvest diseases and mycotoxins in crops and is potentially valuable for ensuring food safety. Our previous studies have shown that H. sinensis can effectively degrade PAT. The possible physiological mechanisms of yeast have been previously reported, however, the molecular mechanism of PAT degradation by the yeast needs to be explored in depth. Therefore, our current work aimed to use transcriptomic and proteomic techniques to unravel the molecular mechanisms by which PAT degradation occurs in H. sinensis. The results showed that transcriptomic studies of H. sinensis in PAT culture identified 951 differentially expressed genes, of which 194 were up-regulated, and 757 were down-regulated. These genes could be used to induce the ability of H. sinensis to resist stress, promote the synthesis of drug-resistant substances and maintain the integrity of cell membranes. Besides, proteomic analyses revealed that PAT treatment enhances multiple aspects of H. sinensis, including protein processing, cell growth, reproduction, catalase, cell wall synthesis, and more. Our study helps to understand the possible mechanisms of PAT degradation and PAT stress response at the transcription and protein expression levels in H. sinensis.