preprints.org > biology and life sciences > immunology and microbiology > doi: 10.20944/preprints201905.0105.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 8 May 2019 / Approved: 9 May 2019 / Online: 9 May 2019 (11:46:55 CEST)

Gastroenteritis cases associated with non-toxigenic strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus have been reported in many countries, suggesting the contribution of novel virulence factors. One candidate is zonula occludens toxin (Zot), which increases the intestinal permeability by other bacteria. Recently we identified prophages belonging to the Inoviridae family encoding putative Zot-like toxins in Chilean strains. Based on this information we performed sequence-based analyses of these toxins, followed by phylogenetic and structural analyses using computational tools. Our results showed that Zots found in Chilean V. parahaemolyticus strains are grouped into three different phylogenetic clusters, sharing two conserved motifs (Walker A and B) in their N-terminal region. These motifs are also conserved in Zots from the human pathogens Vibrio cholerae, Neisseria meningitidis and Campylobacter concisus. Although Zots of V. parahaemolyticus do not possess the FCIGRL sequence responsible for the effects produced by V. cholerae, they do possess a conserved secondary structure within their C-terminal region with Zots proteins able to disrupt the intestinal barrier, which is interesting since it has been suggested that the structure and not the Zot sequence would be responsible for the biological effects. This preliminary study provides the basis to study the function of Zots found in V. parahaemolyticus on the intestinal barrier and their possible role as a virulence factor.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, non-toxigenic strains, Zot, zonula occludens toxin, Vibrio cholerae, Campylobacter concisus, intestinal permeability

Biology and Life Sciences, Immunology and Microbiology

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