This project proposes to study plant Ribosome Inactivating Proteins (RIPs) and fungal Ribotoxin-Like Proteins (RL-Ps), which are toxins able to inhibit protein synthesis by damaging ribosomes. In particular, toxins from edible plants and mushrooms will be considered. The aim of the project is twofold: to increase our knowledge of these toxins from edible sources and to analyse their effects on the intestinal environment.

The multidisciplinary groups involved in this project will investigate the effects of these protein synthesis inhibitory enzymes on intestinal cells (Bologna-RU) and microbiota (Napoli-RU). In particular, two enzymes previously characterised by Caserta-RU: sodin 5 from Salsola soda seeds and edulitin 2 from Boletus edulis fruiting bodies will be used as prototypes of RIPs and RL-Ps, respectively, to investigate the possible toxic effects on epithelial model cells and an in vitro gut microbial culture model. In addition, the isolation of novel RIPs and RL-Ps enzymes from edible plants and mushrooms will be undertaken to achieve their biochemical characterization and biological effects on epithelial model cells and an in vitro gut microbial culture model.

Overall, these results will provide information on the direct or indirect involvement of these enzymes in the pathogenesis of intestinal chronic diseases, opening to further research on other edible sources containing similar enzymes.