Regulatory mechanism for host-cell contact-dependent T3SS gene expression in <i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i>.

ABSTRACT: Many pathogenic bacteria regulate gene expression in response to the surrounding environment to establish infection. One such mechanism is the regulation of gene expression in response to contact with host cells. Here, we show that Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a causative agent of foodborne gastroenteritis, has a host-cell contact-dependent regulatory mechanism for virulence gene expression. Type III secretion system 2 (T3SS2), an essential virulence determinant for acute gastroenteritis encoded by V. parahaemolyticus pathogenicity island (Vp-PAI), recognizes host-cell contact by sensing high intracellular K⁺ levels and switching its secretory substrates. The switching of secretory substrates is regulated by proteins called gatekeepers. Mutants deficient in the gatekee

SUBMITTER: Tandhavanant S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12282083 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature