Aliarcobacter butzleri is an emerging foodborne and zoonotic pathogen, yet many of its encoded proteins remain functionally uncharacterized. This lack of annotation limits understanding of its molecular mechanisms and hampers the identification of novel therapeutic targets. In this study, we systematically performed functional annotation of essential hypothetical proteins from the BNI-3166 strain using an integrative-in-silico approach to uncover potential drug and vaccine candidates. 2,367 protein-coding sequences were retrieved from the RefSeq database and were identified 356 as hypothetical proteins. Using BLASTp, we screened these HPs against the Database of Essential Genes and the human proteome to identify essential non-homologous proteins, resulting in 20 ENH candidates. Functional annotation was performed using several domain-based databases, including Pfam, InterPro, SMART, and SUPERFAMILY. Subsequently, physicochemical properties were analyzed and predicted subcellular localization using PSORTb and CELLO. To assess druggability, the ChEMBL database was used. Virulence factors using VFDB, VICMpred, and VirulentPred 2.0 were also predicted. Gene Ontology annotations were generated via ARGOT2.5. Furthermore, we explored protein-protein interactions using STRING and predicted tertiary structures with AlphaFold3. Moreover, Ligand binding pockets were predicted using PrankWeb, and antigenicity of vaccine candidates was assessed using VaxiJen v2.0. We identified 20 essential non-homologous hypothetical proteins, of which 10 were confidently annotated based on conserved domain analysis. These proteins were classified as enzymes, binding proteins, transporters, regulatory proteins, and potential virulence factors. Among them, eight exhibited characteristics of promising drug targets, while two showed potential as vaccine candidates based on subcellular localization. Druggability analysis revealed that nine proteins had no similarity to known drug targets, suggesting novel therapeutic potential. Predicted 3D structures generated using AlphaFold3 yielded pTM scores ranging from 0.44 to 0.92, indicating acceptable to high modeling confidence. Ligand binding site analysis confirmed druggability in six candidates, and antigenicity screening identified one protein as a potential vaccine target. This study provides a computational framework for identifying functionally important proteins in A. butzleri BNI-3166 and highlights novel therapeutic candidates for experimental validation, offering new directions in drug and vaccine development against this underexplored pathogen.
Key words: Aliarcobacter butzleri, Drug Target Identification, Functional Annotation, Hypothetical Proteins, In Silico Analysis
Received: 08.07.2025; Accepted: 01.09.2025; Early view: 24.09.2025 Published: 10.01.2026
DOI: 10.62063/ecb-66
Citation: Paul, S., Barua, S., & Barua, J.D. (2026). In-silico functional annotation and structural characterization of hypothetical proteins from Aliarcobacter butzleri BNI-3166: Insights into novel virulence and drug targets. The European chemistry and biotechnology journal, 5, 22-39. https://doi.org/10.62063/ecb-66
The copyrights of the studies published in The European Chemistry and Biotechnology Journal (EUCHEMBIOJ) belong to their authors
This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
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Indonesian popular culture has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with a surge in creativity, innovation, and global recognition. From music and film to fashion and social media, Indonesia's entertainment industry has been on the rise, captivating audiences both locally and internationally.
Social media has played a significant role in the growth of Indonesian popular culture, providing a platform for creatives to express themselves and connect with a global audience. Indonesian influencers, like Ayu Ting Ting and Anissa Rawles, have gained millions of followers on Instagram, showcasing their talents, fashion sense, and lifestyle.
Indonesian music has been gaining momentum worldwide, with artists like Isyana Sarasvati, Rizky Febian, and Nidji leading the charge. The country's music scene is characterized by a unique blend of traditional and modern sounds, with genres like dangdut, pop, and rock influencing contemporary music. The success of Indonesian music can be attributed to the rise of digital platforms, which have made it easier for artists to produce, distribute, and promote their work.
In conclusion, Indonesian popular culture has come a long way in recent years, with significant growth and global recognition across various sectors. As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that Indonesian creativity and innovation continue to thrive on the global stage.
As Indonesian popular culture continues to grow and gain global recognition, there are opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange. However, challenges persist, including the need for improved infrastructure, increased government support, and greater diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
The Indonesian film industry has experienced a remarkable growth in recent years, with a significant increase in production quality and quantity. Films like "Laskar Pelangi" (Rainbow Troop), "The Raid: Redemption," and "Warkop DKI Reborn" have gained international recognition, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and creativity. The success of Indonesian films can be attributed to government support, improved production standards, and a growing audience base. video bokep indo full hot
Indonesian fashion and beauty have been making waves globally, with designers like Annisa Rawles and Eelke Plasmeersch showcasing their creations on international runways. Indonesian beauty products, such as skincare and haircare lines, have also gained popularity worldwide, thanks to their natural ingredients and affordable prices. As Indonesian popular culture continues to grow and
Indonesian popular culture has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with a surge in creativity, innovation, and global recognition. From music and film to fashion and social media, Indonesia's entertainment industry has been on the rise, captivating audiences both locally and internationally. Films like "Laskar Pelangi" (Rainbow Troop), "The Raid:
Social media has played a significant role in the growth of Indonesian popular culture, providing a platform for creatives to express themselves and connect with a global audience. Indonesian influencers, like Ayu Ting Ting and Anissa Rawles, have gained millions of followers on Instagram, showcasing their talents, fashion sense, and lifestyle.
Indonesian music has been gaining momentum worldwide, with artists like Isyana Sarasvati, Rizky Febian, and Nidji leading the charge. The country's music scene is characterized by a unique blend of traditional and modern sounds, with genres like dangdut, pop, and rock influencing contemporary music. The success of Indonesian music can be attributed to the rise of digital platforms, which have made it easier for artists to produce, distribute, and promote their work.
In conclusion, Indonesian popular culture has come a long way in recent years, with significant growth and global recognition across various sectors. As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that Indonesian creativity and innovation continue to thrive on the global stage.