Articles

Toxin-antitoxin system or TA genetic modules had been discovered to broadly exist in bacterial genome and mobile genetic elements. They are made up of stable toxins and versatile antitoxins that can resist the toxicity of toxins. The mechanism between toxins and antitoxin could play key roles in the virulence and retention of the pathogenic bacteria. Vibrio cholerae a global significant marine pathogen possesses different TA systems that can play crucial roles in combating environmental stresses and bacteriophage attacks. The DarTG system among with ICEs and PLEs plays a key role in defensive mechanism against phage infection. The HigBA system assists the bacterium to conserve energy under challenging environment, while the VgrG3-TsaB system, a part of type VI secretion system (T6SS), enhances bacterial competition by targeting competing species. These TA systems while providing a survival advantage, also emphasize the dynamic arms race between Vibrio cholerae and its phage predators. In this review, we primarily explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the key TA systems in Vibrio cholerae.