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Updated: Jul 9, 2025
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Published on: May 15, 2017
Insights into virulence: structure classification of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus RIMD mobilome
Lisa N Kinch1,2, R Dustin Schaeffer3, Jing Zhang3,4
1Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Importance:
The pandemic Vpar strain RIMD causes seafood-borne illness worldwide. Previous comparative genomic studies have revealed pathogenicity islands in RIMD that contribute to the success of the strain in infection. However, not all virulence determinants have been identified, and many of the proteins encoded in known pathogenicity islands are of unknown function. Based on the EOCD database, we used evolution-based classification of structure models for the RIMD proteome to improve our functional understanding of virulence determinants acquired by the pandemic strain. We further identify and classify previously unknown mobile protein domains as well as fast evolving residue positions in structure models that contribute to virulence and adaptation with respect to a pre-pandemic strain. Our work highlights key contributions of phage in mediating seafood born illness, suggesting this strain balances its avoidance of phage predators with its successful colonization of human hosts.
Insights
This study reveals how phage contribute to seafood-borne illness caused by the Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vpar) strain RIMD. Understanding these virulence factors aids in preventing foodborne infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Structural Biology
Background:
- The pandemic Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vpar) strain RIMD is a global cause of seafood-borne illness.
- Previous genomic studies identified pathogenicity islands but many protein functions remain unknown.
- A deeper understanding of Vpar virulence determinants is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance functional understanding of Vpar virulence determinants using evolution-based classification of proteome structure models.
- To identify novel mobile protein domains and rapidly evolving residues contributing to Vpar virulence and adaptation.
- To investigate the role of phage in Vpar pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the EOCD database for comparative genomic analysis.
- Applied evolution-based classification of Vpar proteome structure models.
- Identified and classified novel protein domains and fast-evolving residue positions.
Main Results:
- Identified previously unknown mobile protein domains contributing to Vpar virulence.
- Pinpointed fast-evolving residue positions associated with Vpar adaptation and virulence.
- Highlighted the significant role of phage in mediating Vpar-induced seafood-borne illness.
- Demonstrated a balance between Vpar's avoidance of phage predation and human host colonization.
Conclusions:
- Evolution-based structural analysis provides new insights into Vpar virulence factors.
- Phage play a critical role in the pathogenicity of the pandemic Vpar strain.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform strategies to combat seafood-borne illnesses.
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