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/).
The Tranisa YouTube Channel serves as a primary hub for short transformation clips and "behind-the-scenes" looks at their modeling sessions.
For static images and high-quality photography from the video sets, the creator maintains a presence on Flickr. Impact on the Community
The platform features a variety of content styles that have evolved over the years, peaking in popularity around 2021 as high-definition digital media became more accessible.
These popular videos document the process of physical change through makeup, wig styling, and fashion, often highlighting the technical skill involved in achieving a feminine look.
Beyond just "transformation," channels like Tranisa contribute to a broader digital culture of and visibility. They provide a space for both cisgender and transgender audiences to reflect on gender norms, beauty standards, and the "male gaze". By sharing these "talk-to-camera" vlogs and artistic transformations, creators foster a sense of intimacy and authenticity that helps viewers navigating their own gender identities feel less isolated.
Many videos focus on professional-style photo shoots where models showcase different aesthetics, from casual street style to high-glamour evening wear.
Tranisa is a digital platform and content creator specializing in the community, known for high-quality male-to-female (MTF) transformation videos and fashion-centric storytelling. Originally gaining traction through YouTube and its official website, Tranisa has become a niche authority for those interested in the artistic and technical aspects of gender expression. Exploring the World of Tranisa
While many creators share previews on social media, full-length content is typically hosted on dedicated community hubs.
The Tranisa YouTube Channel serves as a primary hub for short transformation clips and "behind-the-scenes" looks at their modeling sessions.
For static images and high-quality photography from the video sets, the creator maintains a presence on Flickr. Impact on the Community
The platform features a variety of content styles that have evolved over the years, peaking in popularity around 2021 as high-definition digital media became more accessible.
These popular videos document the process of physical change through makeup, wig styling, and fashion, often highlighting the technical skill involved in achieving a feminine look.
Beyond just "transformation," channels like Tranisa contribute to a broader digital culture of and visibility. They provide a space for both cisgender and transgender audiences to reflect on gender norms, beauty standards, and the "male gaze". By sharing these "talk-to-camera" vlogs and artistic transformations, creators foster a sense of intimacy and authenticity that helps viewers navigating their own gender identities feel less isolated.
Many videos focus on professional-style photo shoots where models showcase different aesthetics, from casual street style to high-glamour evening wear.
Tranisa is a digital platform and content creator specializing in the community, known for high-quality male-to-female (MTF) transformation videos and fashion-centric storytelling. Originally gaining traction through YouTube and its official website, Tranisa has become a niche authority for those interested in the artistic and technical aspects of gender expression. Exploring the World of Tranisa
While many creators share previews on social media, full-length content is typically hosted on dedicated community hubs.