Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Importance
Persistent human gastric infection with Helicobacter pylori is the single most important risk factor for development of gastric malignancy, which is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. An important virulence factor for Hp colonization and severity of gastric disease is the protein exotoxin VacA, which is secreted by the bacterium and modulates functional properties of gastric cells. VacA acts by damaging mitochondria, which impairs host cell metabolism through impairment of energy production. Here, we demonstrate that intoxicated cells have the capacity to detect VacA-mediated damage, and orchestrate the repair of mitochondrial function, thereby restoring cellular health and vitality. This study provides new insights into cellular recognition and responses to intracellular-acting toxin modulation of host cell function, which could be relevant for the growing list of pathogenic microbes and viruses identified that target mitochondria as part of their virulence strategies.
SUBMITTER: Seeger AY
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10653863 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Seeger Ami Y AY Zaidi Faisal F Alhayek Sammy S Jones Rachel M RM Zohair Huzaifa H Holland Robin L RL Kim Ik-Jung I-J Blanke Steven R SR
mBio 20231010 5
<h4>Importance</h4>Persistent human gastric infection with <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> is the single most important risk factor for development of gastric malignancy, which is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. An important virulence factor for <i>Hp</i> colonization and severity of gastric disease is the protein exotoxin VacA, which is secreted by the bacterium and modulates functional properties of gastric cells. VacA acts by damaging mitochondria, which impairs host ...[more]