V R Vepachedu1, K Hirneisen, D G Hoover, P Setlow. 1. Department of Molecular, Microbial and Structural Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032-3305, USA.
Abstract
AIMS: To measure rates of release of small molecules during pressure germination of Bacillus subtilis spores, and the role of SpoVA proteins in dipicolinic acid (DPA) release. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rates of DPA release during B. subtilis spore germination with pressures of 150 or 500 megaPascals were much higher in spores with elevated levels of SpoVA proteins, and spores with a temperature-sensitive mutation in the spoVA operon were temperature-sensitive in DPA release during pressure germination. Spores also released arginine and glutamic acid, but not AMP, during pressure germination. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure germination of B. subtilis spores causes release of many small molecules including DPA. SpoVA proteins are involved in the release of DPA, perhaps because SpoVA proteins are a component of a DPA channel in the spore's inner membrane. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work provides new insight into the mechanism of pressure germination of spores of Bacillus species, a process that has significant potential for usage in the food industry.
AIMS: To measure rates of release of small molecules during pressure germination of Bacillus subtilis spores, and the role of SpoVA proteins in dipicolinic acid (DPA) release. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rates of DPA release during B. subtilis spore germination with pressures of 150 or 500 megaPascals were much higher in spores with elevated levels of SpoVA proteins, and spores with a temperature-sensitive mutation in the spoVA operon were temperature-sensitive in DPA release during pressure germination. Spores also released arginine and glutamic acid, but not AMP, during pressure germination. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure germination of B. subtilis spores causes release of many small molecules including DPA. SpoVA proteins are involved in the release of DPA, perhaps because SpoVA proteins are a component of a DPA channel in the spore's inner membrane. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work provides new insight into the mechanism of pressure germination of spores of Bacillus species, a process that has significant potential for usage in the food industry.
Authors: Ian M Gut; Angela M Prouty; Jimmy D Ballard; Wilfred A van der Donk; Steven R Blanke Journal: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Date: 2008-09-22 Impact factor: 5.191
Authors: Anil Magge; Amanda C Granger; Paul G Wahome; Barbara Setlow; Venkata R Vepachedu; Charles A Loshon; Lixin Peng; De Chen; Yong-Qing Li; Peter Setlow Journal: J Bacteriol Date: 2008-05-09 Impact factor: 3.490