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1. Ploux  O, Soularue  P, Marquet  A, Gloeckler  R, Lemoine  Y,     ( 1992 )

Investigation of the first step of biotin biosynthesis in Bacillus sphaericus. Purification and characterization of the pimeloyl-CoA synthase, and uptake of pimelate.

The Biochemical journal 287 (Pt 3) (N/A)
PMID : 1445232  :   DOI  :   10.1042/bj2870685     PMC  :   PMC1133062    
Abstract >>
The pimeloyl-CoA synthase from Bacillus sphaericus has been purified to homogeneity from an overproducing strain of Escherichia coli. The purification yielded milligram quantities of the synthase with a specific activity of 1 unit/mg of protein. Analysis of the products showed that this enzyme catalysed the transformation of pimelate into pimeloyl-CoA with concomitant hydrolysis of ATP to AMP. Using a continuous spectrophotometric assay, we have examined the catalytic properties of the pure enzyme. The pH profile under Vmax. conditions showed a maximum around 8.5. Apparent Km values for pimelate, CoASH, ATP.Mg2- and Mg2+ were respectively 145 microM, 33 microM, 170 microM and 2.3 mM. The enzyme was inhibited by Mg2+ above 10 mM. This acid-CoA ligase exhibited a very sharp substrate specificity, e.g. neither GTP nor pimelate analogues (di- or mono-carboxylic acids) were processed. The bivalent metal ion requirement was also investigated: Mn2+ (73%) and Co2+ (32%) but not Ca2+ could replace Mg2+. The enzyme was inhibited by metal chelators such as 1,10-phenanthroline and EDTA. The synthase was a homodimer with a 28,000-M(r) subunit. N-Terminal sequencing definitely proved that this enzyme was encoded by the bioW gene. A careful study of pimelate uptake by B. sphaericus, E. coli and Pseudomonas dentrificans showed that this metabolite crossed the membrane of these microorganisms by passive diffusion, ruling out the involvement of the bioX gene product as pimelate carrier.
KeywordMeSH Terms
2. Shi  YX, Zheng  DS, Yuan  ZM,     ( 2003 )

Toxicity of Bacillus sphaericus LP1-G against susceptible and resistant Culex quinquefasciatus and the cloning of the mosquitocidal toxin gene.

Current microbiology 47 (3)
PMID : 14570274  :  
Abstract >>
Bacillus sphaericus LP1-G, belonging to flagellar serotype H3, has been found to have moderate toxicity against two resistant Culex quinquefasciatus colonies (RLCq1 and RLCq2) and the susceptible contrast (SLCq). With an aim of screening mosquitocidal acting factor, a partial genome library was prepared from a partial HindIII digest of the total DNA from Bacillus sphaericus LP1-G. Two thousand twenty Escherichia coli clones were screened for toxicity against susceptible SLCq, and a toxic clone, designated E-UL68, was chosen for further study. The recombinant E-UL68 performed toxicity against both susceptible and two resistant colonies, having the same level of toxicity as that of wide-type strain LP1-G. Sequence analysis revealed that the inserted fragment was composed of 3876 nucleotides and contained a complete gene, whose sequence was identical to that of the mtx gene from B. sphaericus SSII-1. Because the binary toxin produced during sporulation of strain LP1-G has no activity against the target mosquitoes, this indicates that the Mtx toxin or other active factors might perhaps be responsible for the toxicity of LP1-G against different colonies of mosquito larvae.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Culex
Pest Control, Biological
3. Almog  O, González  A, Klein  D, Greenblatt  HM, Braun  S, Shoham  G,     ( 2003 )

The 0.93A crystal structure of sphericase: a calcium-loaded serine protease from Bacillus sphaericus.

Journal of molecular biology 332 (5)
PMID : 14499610  :   DOI  :   10.1016/j.jmb.2003.07.011    
Abstract >>
We have previously isolated sphericase (Sph), an extracellular mesophilic serine protease produced by Bacillus sphaericus. The Sph amino acid sequence is highly homologous to two cold-adapted subtilisins from Antarctic bacilli S39 and S41 (76% and 74% identity, respectively). Sph is calcium-dependent, 310 amino acid residues long and has optimal activity at pH 10.0. S41 and S39 have not as yet been structurally analysed. In the present work, we determined the crystal structure of Sph by the Eu/multiwavelength anomalous diffraction method. The structure was extended to 0.93A resolution and refined to a crystallographic R-factor of 9.7%. The final model included all 310 amino acid residues, one disulfide bond, 679 water molecules and five calcium ions. Although Sph is a mesophilic subtilisin, its amino acid sequence is similar to that of the psychrophilic subtilisins, which suggests that the crystal structure of these subtilisins is very similar. The presence of five calcium ions bound to a subtilisin molecule, as found here for Sph, has not been reported for the subtilisin superfamily. None of these calcium-binding sites correlates with the well-known high-affinity calcium-binding site (site I or site A), and only one site has been described previously. This calcium-binding pattern suggests that a reduction in the flexibility of the surface loops of Sph by calcium binding may be responsible for its adaptation to mesophilic organisms.
KeywordMeSH Terms
4. Thanabalu  T, Hindley  J, Berry  C,     ( 1992 )

Proteolytic processing of the mosquitocidal toxin from Bacillus sphaericus SSII-1.

Journal of bacteriology 174 (15)
PMID : 1352768  :   DOI  :   10.1128/jb.174.15.5051-5056.1992     PMC  :   PMC206320    
Abstract >>
The 97-kDa protein Mtx21, derived from the 100-kDa mosquitocidal protein (Mtx) from Bacillus sphaericus SSII-1 by the deletion of the putative signal sequence, was expressed as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase in Escherichia coli, and the fusion protein was purified by affinity chromatography. The fusion protein bound to glutathione agarose was cleaved with thrombin to release the Mtx21 protein. The 97-kDa Mtx21 protein was found to be toxic to Culex quinquefasciatus larvae with a 50% lethal concentration of 15 ng/ml. Treating Mtx21 with crude mosquito larval gut extracts gave rise to two major peptides of 70 and 27 kDa. Treating the 97-kDa Mtx21 protein with trysin also gave rise to a similar proteolytic cleavage pattern. N-terminal sequencing showed that the 27-kDa peptide was derived from the N-terminal region of the 97-kDa protein and that the 70-kDa protein was from the C-terminal region of the 97-kDa protein. The 27-kDa peptide has all the previously identified regions of homology with the catalytic peptides of the ADP-ribosyltransferase toxins, such as pertussis toxin S1 peptide, while the 70-kDa peptide has three internal regions of homology.
KeywordMeSH Terms
5. Rahman  RN, Chin  JH, Salleh  AB, Basri  M,     ( 2003 )

Cloning and expression of a novel lipase gene from Bacillus sphaericus 205y.

Molecular genetics and genomics : MGG 269 (2)
PMID : 12756537  :   DOI  :   10.1007/s00438-003-0831-5    
Abstract >>
A Bacillus sphaericus strain (205y) that produces an organic solvent-tolerant lipase was isolated in Port Dickson, Malaysia. The gene for the lipase was recovered from a genomic library and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on an alignment of thirteen microbial lipase sequences obtained from the NCBI database. The analysis suggested that the B. sphaericus lipase gene is a novel gene, as it is distinct from other lipase genes in Families I.4 and I.5 reported so far. Expression in Escherichia coli under the control of the lacZ promoter resulted in an eight-fold increase in enzyme activity after a 3-h induction with 1 mM IPTG. The crude enzyme thus obtained showed a slight (10%) enhancement in activity after a 30-min incubation in 25% (v/v) n-hexane at 37 degrees C, and retained 90% of its activity after a similar period in 25% (v/v) p-xylene.
KeywordMeSH Terms
6. Alice  AF, Pérez-Martínez  G, Sánchez-Rivas  C,     ( 2003 )

Phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system and N-acetylglucosamine metabolism in Bacillus sphaericus.

Microbiology (Reading, England) 149 (Pt 7)
PMID : 12855720  :   DOI  :   10.1099/mic.0.26231-0    
Abstract >>
Bacillus sphaericus, a bacterium of biotechnological interest due to its ability to produce mosquitocidal toxins, is unable to use sugars as carbon source. However, ptsHI genes encoding HPr and EI proteins belonging to a PTS were cloned, sequenced and characterized. Both HPr and EI proteins were fully functional for phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent transphosphorylation in complementation assays using extracts from Staphylococcus aureus mutants for one of these proteins. HPr(His(6)) was purified from wild-type and a Ser46/Gln mutant of B. sphaericus, and used for in vitro phosphorylation experiments using extracts from either B. sphaericus or Bacillus subtilis as kinase source. The results showed that both phosphorylated forms, P-Ser46-HPr and P-His15-HPr, could be obtained. The findings also proved indirectly the existence of an HPr kinase activity in B. sphaericus. The genetic structure of these ptsHI genes has some unusual features, as they are co-transcribed with genes encoding metabolic enzymes related to N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) catabolism (nagA, nagB and an undetermined orf2). In fact, this bacterium was able to utilize this amino sugar as carbon and energy source, but a ptsH null mutant had lost this characteristic. Investigation of GlcNAc uptake and streptozotocin inhibition in both a wild-type and a ptsH null mutant strain led to the proposal that GlcNAc is transported and phosphorylated by an EII(Nag) element of the PTS, as yet uncharacterized. In addition, GlcNAc-6-phosphate deacetylase and GlcN-6-phosphate deaminase activities were determined; both were induced in the presence of GlcNAc. These results, together with the authors' recent findings of the presence of a phosphofructokinase activity, are strongly indicative of a glycolytic pathway in B. sphaericus. They also open new possibilities for genetic improvements in industrial applications.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Bacterial Proteins
7. Alice  AF, Pérez-Martínez  G, Sánchez-Rivas  C,     ( 2002 )

Existence of a true phosphofructokinase in Bacillus sphaericus: cloning and sequencing of the pfk gene.

Applied and environmental microbiology 68 (12)
PMID : 12450869  :   DOI  :   10.1128/aem.68.12.6410-6415.2002     PMC  :   PMC134432    
Abstract >>
Some strains of Bacillus sphaericus are entomopathogenic to mosquito larvae, which transmit diseases, such as filariasis and malaria, affecting millions of people worldwide. This species is unable to use hexoses and pentoses as unique carbon sources, which was proposed to be due to the lack of glycolytic enzymes, such as 6-phosphofructokinase (PFK). In this study, PFK activity was detected and the pfk gene was cloned and sequenced. Furthermore, this gene was shown to be present in strains belonging to all the homology groups of this heterogeneous species, in which PFK activity was also detected. A careful sequence analysis revealed the conservation of different catalytic and regulatory residues, as well as the enzyme's phylogenetic affiliation with the family of allosteric ATP-PFK enzymes.
KeywordMeSH Terms
8. Ilk  N, Völlenkle  C, Egelseer  EM, Breitwieser  A, Sleytr  UB, Sára  M,     ( 2002 )

Molecular characterization of the S-layer gene, sbpA, of Bacillus sphaericus CCM 2177 and production of a functional S-layer fusion protein with the ability to recrystallize in a defined orientation while presenting the fused allergen.

Applied and environmental microbiology 68 (7)
PMID : 12089001  :   DOI  :   10.1128/aem.68.7.3251-3260.2002     PMC  :   PMC126809    
Abstract >>
The nucleotide sequence encoding the crystalline bacterial cell surface (S-layer) protein SbpA of Bacillus sphaericus CCM 2177 was determined by a PCR-based technique using four overlapping fragments. The entire sbpA sequence indicated one open reading frame of 3,804 bp encoding a protein of 1,268 amino acids with a theoretical molecular mass of 132,062 Da and a calculated isoelectric point of 4.69. The N-terminal part of SbpA, which is involved in anchoring the S-layer subunits via a distinct type of secondary cell wall polymer to the rigid cell wall layer, comprises three S-layer-homologous motifs. For screening of amino acid positions located on the outer surface of the square S-layer lattice, the sequence encoding Strep-tag I, showing affinity to streptavidin, was linked to the 5' end of the sequence encoding the recombinant S-layer protein (rSbpA) or a C-terminally truncated form (rSbpA(31-1068)). The deletion of 200 C-terminal amino acids did not interfere with the self-assembly properties of the S-layer protein but significantly increased the accessibility of Strep-tag I. Thus, the sequence encoding the major birch pollen allergen (Bet v1) was fused via a short linker to the sequence encoding the C-terminally truncated form rSpbA(31-1068). Labeling of the square S-layer lattice formed by recrystallization of rSbpA(31-1068)/Bet v1 on peptidoglycan-containing sacculi with a Bet v1-specific monoclonal mouse antibody demonstrated the functionality of the fused protein sequence and its location on the outer surface of the S-layer lattice. The specific interactions between the N-terminal part of SbpA and the secondary cell wall polymer will be exploited for an oriented binding of the S-layer fusion protein on solid supports to generate regularly structured functional protein lattices.
KeywordMeSH Terms
9. Seavers  PR, Lewis  RJ, Brannigan  JA, Verschueren  KH, Murshudov  GN, Wilkinson  AJ,     ( 2001 )

Structure of the Bacillus cell fate determinant SpoIIAA in phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms.

Structure (London, England : 1993) 9 (7)
PMID : 11470435  :  
Abstract >>
The asymmetric cell division during sporulation in Bacillus subtilis gives rise to two compartments: the mother cell and the forespore. Each follow different programs of gene expression coordinated by a succession of alternate RNA polymerase sigma factors. The activity of the first of these sigma factors, sigmaF, is restricted to the forespore although sigmaF is present in the predivisional cell and partitions into both compartments following the asymmetric septation. For sigmaF to become active, it must escape from a complex with its cognate anti-sigma factor, SpoIIAB. This relief from SpoIIAB inhibition requires the dephosphorylation of the anti-sigma factor antagonist, SpoIIAA. The phosphorylation state of SpoIIAA is thus a key determinant of sigmaF activity and cell fate. We have solved the crystal structures of SpoIIAA from Bacillus sphaericus in its phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms. The overall structure consists of a central beta-pleated sheet, one face of which is buried by a pair of alpha helices, while the other is largely exposed to solvent. The site of phosphorylation, Ser57, is located at the N terminus of helix alpha2. The phosphoserine is exceptionally well defined in the 1.2 A electron density maps, revealing that the structural changes accompanying phosphorylation are slight. Comparison of unphosphorylated and phosphorylated SpoIIAA shows that covalent modification has no significant effect on the global structure of the protein. The phosphoryl group has a passive role as a negatively charged flag rather than the active role it plays as a nucleus of structural reorganization in many eukaryotic signaling systems.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Sigma Factor
Transcription Factors
10. Dodson  EJ, Dauter  Z, Verma  CS, McVey  CE, Brannigan  JA, Pundle  AV, SivaRaman  H, Rao  KN,     ( 1999 )

Penicillin V acylase crystal structure reveals new Ntn-hydrolase family members.

Nature structural biology 6 (5)
PMID : 10331865  :   DOI  :   10.1038/8213    
Abstract >>
N/A
KeywordMeSH Terms
11. Rapoport  G, Rosso  ML, Hamon  S, Poncet  S, Del cluse  A,     ( 1999 )

Production of Cry11A and Cry11Ba toxins in Bacillus sphaericus confers toxicity towards Aedes aegypti and resistant Culex populations.

Applied and environmental microbiology 65 (7)
PMID : 10388698  :   PMC  :   PMC91451    
Abstract >>
Cry11A from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis and Cry11Ba from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. jegathesan were introduced, separately and in combination, into the chromosome of Bacillus sphaericus 2297 by in vivo recombination. Two loci on the B. sphaericus chromosome were chosen as target sites for recombination: the binary toxin locus and the gene encoding the 36-kDa protease that may be responsible for the cleavage of the Mtx protein. Disruption of the protease gene did not increase the larvicidal activity of the recombinant strain against Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens. Synthesis of the Cry11A and Cry11Ba toxins made the recombinant strains toxic to A. aegypti larvae to which the parental strain was not toxic. The strain containing Cry11Ba was more toxic than strains containing the added Cry11A or both Cry11A and Cry11Ba. The production of the two toxins together with the binary toxin did not significantly increase the toxicity of the recombinant strain to susceptible C. pipiens larvae. However, the production of Cry11A and/or Cry11Ba partially overcame the resistance of C. pipiens SPHAE and Culex quinquefasciatus GeoR to B. sphaericus strain 2297.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Aedes
Bacterial Toxins
Pest Control, Biological
12. Johansson  P,     ( 1999 )

Organization of genes for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in gram--positive bacteria.

Microbiology (Reading, England) 145 (Pt 3) (N/A)
PMID : 10217486  :   DOI  :   10.1099/13500872-145-3-529    
Abstract >>
Clusters of genes encoding enzymes for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis were cloned from Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Brevibacillus brevis and Paenibacillus macerans. The sequences of all hemX genes found, and of a 6.3 kbp hem gene cluster from P. macerans, were determined. The structure of the hem gene clusters was compared to that of other Gram-positive bacteria. The Bacillus and Brevibacillus species have a conserved organization of the genes hemAXCDBL, required for biosynthesis of uroporphyrinogen III (UroIII) from glutamyl-tRNA. In P. macerans, the hem genes for UroIII synthesis are also closely linked but their organization is different: there is no hemX gene and the gene cluster also contains genes, cysG8 and cysG(A)-hemD, encoding the enzymes required for synthesis of sirohaem from UroIII. Bacillus subtilis contains genes for three proteins, NasF, YInD and YInF, with sequence similarity to Escherichia coli CysG, which is a multi-functional protein catalysing sirohaem synthesis from UroIII. It is shown that YInF is required for sirohaem synthesis and probably catalyses the precorrin-2 to sirohaem conversion. YInD probably catalyses precorrin-2 synthesis from UroIII and NasF seems to be specific for nitrite reduction.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Genes, Bacterial
13. Nishiwaki  H, Nakashima  K, Ishida  C, Kawamura  T, Matsuda  K,     ( 2007 )

Cloning, functional characterization, and mode of action of a novel insecticidal pore-forming toxin, sphaericolysin, produced by Bacillus sphaericus.

Applied and environmental microbiology 73 (10)
PMID : 17400778  :   DOI  :   10.1128/AEM.00021-07     PMC  :   PMC1907092    
Abstract >>
An insecticidal protein produced by Bacillus sphaericus A3-2 was purified to elucidate its structure and mode of action. The active principle purified from the culture broth of A3-2 was a protein with a molecular mass of 53 kDa that rapidly intoxicated German cockroaches (Blattela germanica) at a dose of about 100 ng when injected. The insecticidal protein sphaericolysin possessed the undecapeptide motif of cholesterol-dependent cytolysins and had a unique N-terminal sequence. The recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli was equally as potent as the native protein. Sphaericolysin-induced hemolysis resulted from the protein's pore-forming action. This activity as well as the insecticidal activity was markedly reduced by a Y159A mutation. Also, coapplication of sphaericolysin with cholesterol abolished the insecticidal action, suggesting that cholesterol binding plays an important role in insecticidal activity. Sphaericolysin-lysed neurons dissociated from the thoracic ganglia of the German cockroaches. In addition, sphaericolysin's activity in ganglia was suppressed by the Y159A mutation. The sphaericolysin-induced damage to the cockroach ganglia was greater than the damage to the ganglia of common cutworms (Spodoptera litura), which accounts, at least in part, for the higher sensitivity to sphaericolysin displayed by the cockroaches than that displayed by cutworms.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Cloning, Molecular
Insecticides
14. Wu  E, Jun  L, Yuan  Y, Yan  J, Berry  C, Yuan  Z,     ( 2007 )

Characterization of a cryptic plasmid from Bacillus sphaericus strain LP1-G.

Plasmid 57 (3)
PMID : 17218011  :   DOI  :   10.1016/j.plasmid.2006.11.003    
Abstract >>
A cryptic plasmid from Bacillus sphaericus strain LP1-G, designated as pLG, was sequenced and characterized. It was an 11,066bp circular molecule, with G+C content of 37%. The plasmid pLG was predicted to encode 23 putative ORFs, and ORF 21 shared the highest identity with Rep of pGI1 and pBMB9741, members of rolling-circle replication (RCR) pC194-family. Sequence analysis revealed a pC194-type double strand origin (dso) and a single strand origin (sso) like sequence located upstream and downstream of ORF 21, respectively. Moreover, Mung bean nuclease analysis and Southern hybridization confirmed the existence of single stranded DNA (ssDNA) intermediates, indicating that pLG belongs to the RCR pC194-family. Accumulation of multiple ssDNA intermediates in native strain LP1-G and decline of ssDNA and supercoiled DNA in rifampicin-treated strain implied that a special mechanism might be employed by pLG. Furthermore, the copy number of pLG in its original host was determined and about 58 copies of the plasmid exist in each cell. Subcloning and transformation experiments proved that the minimal replicon of pLG was within a 1.6-kb fragment, which was composed of rep gene and dso. These data are a good basis for the understanding of replication mechanisms and genetics of this B. sphaericus plasmid.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Plasmids
15. Bei  H, Haizhou  L, Xiaomin  H, Zhiming  Y,     ( 2006 )

Preliminary characterization of a thermostable DNA polymerase I from a mesophilic Bacillus sphaericus strain C3-41.

Archives of microbiology 186 (3)
PMID : 16835767  :   DOI  :   10.1007/s00203-006-0135-3    
Abstract >>
A thermostable DNA polymerase I from a mesophilic Bacillus sphaericus strain C3-41 was characterized in this study. The polI was cloned, sequenced and over-expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed 110 kDa fusion protein of PolI was stable at 70 degrees C for 1 h. Compared with DNA polymerase I of E. coli (TaKaRa), the relative polymerase activity of this PolI was 3.33 +/- 0.1 RFU microl(-1) at 37 degrees C using fluorescent quantitative analysis. It showed higher polymerase activity than E. coli PolI at higher temperature, with a relative activity of 3.75 +/- 0.1 RFU microl(-1) at 70 degrees C. The polI sequence analysis and the protein structure prediction indicated that this protein had a high similarly to other PolI from thermophilic micro-organisms. This information is of importance for future study for evolution of the house-keeping gene polI in entomopathogenic bacterium B. sphaericus.
KeywordMeSH Terms
16. Reinert  DJ, Carpusca  I, Aktories  K, Schulz  GE,     ( 2006 )

Structure of the mosquitocidal toxin from Bacillus sphaericus.

Journal of molecular biology 357 (4)
PMID : 16483607  :   DOI  :   10.1016/j.jmb.2006.01.025    
Abstract >>
The catalytic domain of a mosquitocidal toxin prolonged by a C-terminal 44 residue linker connecting to four ricin B-like domains was crystallized. Three crystal structures were established at resolutions between 2.5A and 3.0A using multi-wavelength and single-wavelength anomalous X-ray diffraction as well as molecular replacement phasing techniques. The chainfold of the toxin fragment corresponds to those of ADP-ribosylating enzymes. At pH 4.3 the fragment is associated in a C(7)-symmetric heptamer in agreement with an aggregate of similar size observed by size-exclusion chromatography. In two distinct crystal forms, the heptamers formed nearly spherical, D(7)-symmetric tetradecamers. Another crystal form obtained at pH 6.3 contained a recurring C(2)-symmetric tetramer, which, however, was not stable in solution. On the basis of the common chainfold and NAD(+)-binding site of all ADP-ribosyl transferases, the NAD(+)-binding site of the toxin was assigned at a high confidence level. In all three crystal forms the NAD(+) site was occupied by part of the 44 residue linker, explaining the known inhibitory effect of this polypeptide region. The structure showed that the cleavage site for toxin activation is in a highly mobile loop that is exposed in the monomer. Since it contains the inhibitory linker as a crucial part of the association contact, the observed heptamer is inactive. Moreover, the heptamer cannot be activated by proteolysis because the activation loop is at the ring center and not accessible for proteases. Therefore the heptamer, or possibly the tetradecamer, seems to represent an inactive storage form of the toxin.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Aedes
17. Hourdou  ML, Duez  C, Joris  B, Vacheron  MJ, Guinand  M, Michel  G, Ghuysen  JM,     ( 1992 )

Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the gamma-D-glutamyl-L-diamino acid endopeptidase II of Bacillus sphaericus.

FEMS microbiology letters 70 (2)
PMID : 1587462  :   DOI  :   10.1111/j.1574-6968.1992.tb05203.x    
Abstract >>
The gene encoding the Bacillus sphaericus gamma-D-glutamyl-L-diamino acid endopeptidase II, a cytoplasmic enzyme involved in cell sporulation [1], contains the information for a 271-amino acid protein devoid of a signal peptide. The endopeptidase lacks sequence relatedness with other proteins of known primary structure except that its C-terminal region has significant similarity with the C-terminal region of the 54-kDa P54 protein of Enterococcus faecium, of unknown function [2].
KeywordMeSH Terms
18. Ploux  O, Marquet  A,     ( 1992 )

The 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase from Bacillus sphaericus. Purification and preliminary characterization of the cloned enzyme overproduced in Escherichia coli.

The Biochemical journal 283 (Pt 2) (N/A)
PMID : 1575677  :   DOI  :   10.1042/bj2830327     PMC  :   PMC1131037    
Abstract >>
The 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase [6-carboxyhexanoyl-CoA:L-alanine carboxyhexanoyltransferase (decarboxylating); EC 2.3.1.47] from Bacillus sphaericus involved in biotin biosynthesis was purified from an Escherichia coli overproducing strain. The purification afforded an electrophoretically homogeneous enzyme with a specific activity of 0.67 unit/mg. The purified enzyme is a monomer of 41 kDa. N-Terminal sequencing of the first 14 amino acid residues showed complete agreement with the predicted sequence from the bioF gene. The pure enzyme showed the characteristic absorption band (425 nm) of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzymes. Furthermore, the holoenzyme was resolved during an affinity step yielding the inactive apoenzyme, which recovered activity and the 425 nm-absorption band on dialysis against pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. Km values for L-alanine and pimeloyl-CoA were respectively 3 mM and 1 microM.
KeywordMeSH Terms
19. Bourgogne  T, Vacheron  MJ, Guinand  M, Michel  G,     ( 1992 )

Purification and partial characterization of the gamma-D-glutamyl-L-di-amino acid endopeptidase II from Bacillus sphaericus.

The International journal of biochemistry 24 (3)
PMID : 1551459  :   DOI  :   10.1016/0020-711x(92)90041-x    
Abstract >>
1. A gamma-D-glutamyl-L-di-amino acid endopeptidase II (EC3.4.-.-) active on the peptide moieties of some bacterial peptidoglycans has been purified to homogeneity from the sporulation medium and from the spores of Bacillus sphaericus. 2. Enzyme from both sources showed a single protein band (Mr 28,000) by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. It is an acidic protein (pI 4.1). Kinetic studies have shown a Km value of 0.24 mM and an apparent Vmax of 8.3 mumol min-1 mg-1 with the pentapeptide L-Ala-gamma-D-Glu-L-Lys-D-[14C]Ala-D-[14C]Ala as substrate. 3. The enzyme was inhibited by p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, a sulfhydryl inhibitor. 4. The 38-residue N-terminal region was sequenced. It may be useful to construct a nucleotide probe for the research of the gene encoding this enzyme.
KeywordMeSH Terms
20. Spinelli  S, Ploux  O, Marquet  A, Anguille  C, Jelsch  C, Cambillau  C, Martinez  C,     ( 1996 )

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray study of the 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase from Bacillus sphaericus.

Acta crystallographica. Section D, Biological crystallography 52 (Pt 4)
PMID : 15299653  :   DOI  :   10.1107/S0907444996001448    
Abstract >>
The 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase (AOPS) cloned from Bacillus sphaericus, overproduced in Escherichia coli, has been crystallized in the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-bound form at pH 7.5, using polyethylene glycol as the precipitant. One crystal form corresponds to a tetragonal space group, with unit-cell dimensions a = b = 66, c = 181 A. These crystals do not diffract beyond 5 A, with conventional X-ray sources and cannot be used in the structure elucidation. A second crystal form is obtained when crystallization conditions are varied slightly by the addition of 0.2 M ammonium sulfate. The space group is P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell dimensions a = 68.9, b = 85.5, c = 125.9 A, indicating the presence of two molecules in the asymmetric unit (V(m) = 2.26 A(3) Da(-1); 46% water). These crystals diffract X-rays up to 3.2 A using in-house facilities and a preliminary data set has been collected. A second data set using the synchrotron radiation source W32 at LURE (Paris) has shown the crystals to diffract to at least 3 A, resolution, with good statistics. The structure determination of AOPS will provide a structural framework for the other alpha-amino ketone synthases for which no three-dimensional structure is yet available.
KeywordMeSH Terms
21. Promdonkoy  B, Promdonkoy  P, Tanapongpipat  S, Luxananil  P, Chewawiwat  N, Audtho  M, Panyim  S,     ( 2004 )

Cloning and characterization of a mosquito larvicidal toxin produced during vegetative stage of Bacillus sphaericus 2297.

Current microbiology 49 (2)
PMID : 15297911  :   DOI  :   10.1007/s00284-004-4274-y    
Abstract >>
The mosquitocidal toxin 1 (mtx1) gene from genomic DNA of B. sphaericus strain 2297 was cloned and expressed in E. coli. DNA sequencing analysis of the cloned gene revealed a single open reading frame encoding an 870-amino acid polypeptide. Expression level of the full-length gene in E. coli was very low even though strong promoter was used or the gene was expressed as a fusion protein. Expression level was highly improved after the putative leader sequence was deleted, and the truncated gene was expressed as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase (GST-tMtx1). E. coli cells expressing GST-tMtx1 was highly toxic to Culex quinquefasciatus larvae and showed lower toxicity against Anopheles dirus and Aedes aegypti larvae. Enterobacter amnigenus An11, a mosquito larval gut colonizable bacteria, transformed with the cloned gene exhibited mosquito larvicidal activity. Result suggested that there is a potential to develop this protein to be used as an alternative mosquito control agent.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Cloning, Molecular
22. Gloeckler  R, Ohsawa  I, Speck  D, Ledoux  C, Bernard  S, Zinsius  M, Villeval  D, Kisou  T, Kamogawa  K, Lemoine  Y,     ( 1990 )

Cloning and characterization of the Bacillus sphaericus genes controlling the bioconversion of pimelate into dethiobiotin.

Gene 87 (1)
PMID : 2110099  :   DOI  :   10.1016/0378-1119(90)90496-e    
Abstract >>
Using 8.8 kb of genetic information from Bacillus sphaericus, it was possible to confer to Escherichia coli bio- strains, including delta bioA-D, bioC-, bioH-, the ability to convert exogenous pimelate into biotin. The bio genes were borne on two recombinant plasmids with inserts of 4.3 kb and 4.5 kb, which had been isolated from a genomic bank of HindIII-digested B. sphaericus DNA, by phenotypic complementation of various E. coli bio mutants. The B. sphaericus bioD and bioA genes were unambiguously identified within the 4.3-kb insert and shown to be closely linked to bioY (coding for a protein with a presently unknown function) and to bioB [Ohsawa et al., Gene 80 (1989) 39-48]. These genes are clustered in the order bioDAYB. The 4.5-kb fragment contains genetic information for three different proteins, the products of bioX, bioW and bioF. Complementation studies using an E. coli bioF mutant and a B. subtilis bio112TG3 strain, revealed that the third ORF of this cluster encodes 7-keto-8-aminopelargonic acid synthetase. A combination of bioW and bioF allows an efficient complementation of E. coli bioC and bioH mutants, provided that pimelate is added to the biotin-depleted growth medium. No function could be identified for the product of bioX. The gene order of this cluster is bioXWF. By sequence analysis, the two cloned DNA fragments were shown to bear overlapping open reading frames and secondary structures at their 3' ends, typical of transcription terminators.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
KeywordMeSH Terms
Genes, Bacterial
23. Ding  HT, Du  YQ, Liu  DF, Li  ZL, Chen  XJ, Zhao  YH,     ( 2011 )

Cloning and expression in E. coli of an organic solvent-tolerant and alkali-resistant glucose 1-dehydrogenase from Lysinibacillus sphaericus G10.

Bioresource technology 102 (2)
PMID : 20805024  :   DOI  :   10.1016/j.biortech.2010.08.018    
Abstract >>
The gene gdh encoding an organic solvent-tolerant and alkaline-resistant NAD(P)-dependent glucose 1-dehydrogenase (LsGDH) was cloned from Lysinibacillus sphaericus G10 and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant LsGDH exhibited maximum activity at pH 9.5 and 50 �XC. LsGDH displayed high stability at a wide pH ranging from 6.5 to 10.0 and was stable after incubation at 30 �XC for 1 week in 25 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.5) in the absence or presence of NaCl. The activity of LsGDH was enhanced by Li+, Na+, K+, NH4+, Mg2+, and EDTA at pH 8.0. LsGDH exhibited high tolerance to 60% DMSO, 30% acetone, 30% methanol, 30% ethanol, 10% n-propanol, 30% isopropanol, 60% n-hexanol and 30% n-hexane. The relationship between stability and chain length of the alcohols fit a Gaussian distribution model (R2?0.94), and demonstrated lowest enzyme stability in C4-alcohol. The results suggested that LsGDH was potentially useful for coenzyme regeneration in organic solvents or under alkaline conditions.
KeywordMeSH Terms
24. Zhang  P, Too  PH, Samuelson  JC, Chan  SH, Vincze  T, Doucette  S, Bäckström  S, Potamousis  KD, Schramm  TM, Forrest  D, Schwartz  DC, Xu  SY,     ( 2010 )

Engineering BspQI nicking enzymes and application of N.BspQI in DNA labeling and production of single-strand DNA.

Protein expression and purification 69 (2)
PMID : 19747545  :   DOI  :   10.1016/j.pep.2009.09.003     PMC  :   PMC2783397    
Abstract >>
BspQI is a thermostable Type IIS restriction endonuclease (REase) with the recognition sequence 5'GCTCTTC N1/N4 3'. Here we report the cloning and expression of the bspQIR gene for the BspQI restriction enzyme in Escherichia coli. Alanine scanning of the BspQI charged residues identified a number of DNA nicking variants. After sampling combinations of different amino acid substitutions, an Nt.BspQI triple mutant (E172A/E248A/E255K) was constructed with predominantly top-strand DNA nicking activity. Furthermore, a triple mutant of BspQI (Nb.BspQI, N235A/K331A/R428A) was engineered to create a bottom-strand nicking enzyme. In addition, we demonstrated the application of Nt.BspQI in optical mapping of single DNA molecules. Nt or Nb.BspQI-nicked dsDNA can be further digested by E. coli exonuclease III to create ssDNA for downstream applications. BspQI contains two potential catalytic sites: a top-strand catalytic site (Ct) with a D-H-N-K motif found in the HNH endonuclease family and a bottom-strand catalytic site (Cb) with three scattered Glu residues. BlastP analysis of proteins in GenBank indicated a putative restriction enzyme with significant amino acid sequence identity to BspQI from the sequenced bacterial genome Croceibacter atlanticus HTCC2559. This restriction gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into a T7 expression vector. Restriction mapping and run-off DNA sequencing of digested products from the partially purified enzyme indicated that it is an EarI isoschizomer with 6-bp recognition, which we named CatHI (CTCTTC N1/N4).
KeywordMeSH Terms
25. Hire  RS, Hadapad  AB, Dongre  TK, Kumar  V,     ( 2009 )

Purification and characterization of mosquitocidal Bacillus sphaericus BinA protein.

Journal of invertebrate pathology 101 (2)
PMID : 19348810  :   DOI  :   10.1016/j.jip.2009.03.005    
Abstract >>
Certain strains of Bacillus sphaericus produce a highly toxic mosquito-larvicidal binary toxin during sporulation. The binary toxin is composed of toxic BinA (41.9kDa) and receptor binding BinB (51.4kDa) polypeptides and is active against vectors of filariasis, encephalitis and malaria. The toxin has been tested with limited use for the control of vector mosquitoes for more than two decades. The binA gene from a local ISPC-8 strain of B. sphaericus that is highly toxic to Culex and Anopheles mosquito species was cloned into pET16b and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified BinA protein differs by one amino acid (R197M) from BinA of the highest toxicity strains 1593/2362/C3-41. Majority of the expressed protein was observed in inclusion bodies. BinA inclusions alone from E. coli did not show toxic activity, like reported previously. However, the active form of BinA could be purified to homogeneity from the soluble fraction of E. coli cell lysate, grown at reduced temperature after isopropyl beta-d-thiogalactopyranoside induction. The purified BinA protein with and without poly-histidine tag showed LC(50) dose of 82.3 and 66.9ngml(-1), respectively, at 48h against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. The secondary structure of BinA is expected to be mainly beta strands as estimated using far-UV circular dichroism. The estimates matched well with the secondary structure predictions using amino acid sequence. This is the first report of large-scale purification and accurate toxicity estimation of soluble B. sphaericus BinA. This can help in design and synthesis of improved bacterial insecticide.
KeywordMeSH Terms
26. Park  HW, Tang  M, Sakano  Y, Federici  BA,     ( 2009 )

A 1.1-kilobase region downstream of the bin operon in Bacillus sphaericus strain 2362 decreases bin yield and crystal size in strain 2297.

Applied and environmental microbiology 75 (3)
PMID : 19060165  :   DOI  :   10.1128/AEM.01444-08     PMC  :   PMC2632128    
Abstract >>
The 2297 strain of Bacillus sphaericus produces a crystal of the Bin (binary) toxin that is approximately fourfold larger than that of strain 2362, the strain currently used in VectoLex, a commercial mosquito larvicide. Comparison of the regions downstream from the bin operon in these two strains showed that strain 2362 contained a 1.6-kb region with four orf genes not found in strain 2297. Insertion of a 1.1-kb portion of this region from strain 2362 by homologous recombination downstream from the bin operon in strain 2297 reduced Bin toxin production by 50 to 70% and toxicity to fourth-instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus by 68%. These results suggest that the 1.6-kb region downstream from the bin operon in B. sphaericus 2362 is responsible for the lower Bin yield and smaller crystal size characteristic of this strain.
KeywordMeSH Terms
27. Almog  O, González  A, Godin  N, de Leeuw  M, Mekel  MJ, Klein  D, Braun  S, Shoham  G, Walter  RL,     ( 2009 )

The crystal structures of the psychrophilic subtilisin S41 and the mesophilic subtilisin Sph reveal the same calcium-loaded state.

Proteins 74 (2)
PMID : 18655058  :   DOI  :   10.1002/prot.22175    
Abstract >>
We determine and compare the crystal structure of two proteases belonging to the subtilisin superfamily: S41, a cold-adapted serine protease produced by Antarctic bacilli, at 1.4 A resolution and Sph, a mesophilic serine protease produced by Bacillus sphaericus, at 0.8 A resolution. The purpose of this comparison was to find out whether multiple calcium ion binding is a molecular factor responsible for the adaptation of S41 to extreme low temperatures. We find that these two subtilisins have the same subtilisin fold with a root mean square between the two structures of 0.54 A. The final models for S41 and Sph include a calcium-loaded state of five ions bound to each of these two subtilisin molecules. None of these calcium-binding sites correlate with the high affinity known binding site (site A) found for other subtilisins. Structural analysis of the five calcium-binding sites found in these two crystal structures indicate that three of the binding sites have two side chains of an acidic residue coordinating the calcium ion, whereas the other two binding sites have either a main-chain carbonyl, or only one acidic residue side chain coordinating the calcium ion. Thus, we conclude that three of the sites are of high affinity toward calcium ions, whereas the other two are of low affinity. Because Sph is a mesophilic subtilisin and S41 is a psychrophilic subtilisin, but both crystal structures were found to bind five calcium ions, we suggest that multiple calcium ion binding is not responsible for the adaptation of S41 to low temperatures.
KeywordMeSH Terms
28. Treiber  N, Reinert  DJ, Carpusca  I, Aktories  K, Schulz  GE,     ( 2008 )

Structure and mode of action of a mosquitocidal holotoxin.

Journal of molecular biology 381 (1)
PMID : 18586267  :   DOI  :   10.1016/j.jmb.2008.05.067    
Abstract >>
The crystal structure of the full mosquitocidal toxin from Bacillus sphaericus (MTX(holo)) has been determined at 2.5 A resolution by the molecular replacement method. The resulting structure revealed essentially the complete chain consisting of four ricin B-type domains curling around the catalytic domain in a hedgehog-like assembly. As the structure was virtually identical in three different crystal packings, it is probably not affected by packing contacts. The structure of MTX(holo) explains earlier autoinhibition data. An analysis of published complexes comprising ricin B-type lectin domains and sugar molecules shows that the general construction principle applies to all four lectin domains of MTX(holo), indicating 12 putative sugar-binding sites. These sites are sequence-related to those of the cytotoxin pierisin from cabbage butterfly, which are known to bind glycolipids. It seems therefore likely that MTX(holo) also binds glycolipids. The seven contact interfaces between the five domains are predominantly polar and not stronger than common crystal contacts so that in an appropriate environment, the multidomain structure would likely uncurl into a string of single domains. The structure of the isolated catalytic domain plus an extended linker was established earlier in three crystal packings, two of which showed a peculiar association around a 7-fold axis. The catalytic domain of the reported MTX(holo) closely resembles all three published structures, except one with an appreciable deviation of the 40 N-terminal residues. A comparison of all structures suggests a possible scenario for the translocation of the toxin into the cytosol.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Culicidae
29. Hu  X, Li  J, Hansen  BM, Yuan  Z,     ( 2008 )

Phylogenetic analysis and heterologous expression of surface layer protein SlpC of Bacillus sphaericus C3-41.

Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry 72 (5)
PMID : 18460813  :   DOI  :   10.1271/bbb.70747    
Abstract >>
The surface layer protein encoding genes from five mosquito-pathogenic Bacillus sphaericus isolates were amplified and sequenced. Negative staining of the S-layer protein extracted from the cell wall of wild-type B. sphaericus C3-41 was prepared. It showed a flat-sheet crystal lattice structure. Two genes encoding the entire and N-terminally truncated S-layer protein (slpC and DeltaslpC respectively), were ligated into plasmid pET28a and expressed in Escherichia coli. SDS-PAGE revealed that about 130 KD and 110 KD proteins could be expressed in the cytoplasm of recombinant E. coli BL21(pET28a/slpC) and E. coli BL21(pET28a/DeltaslpC) respectively. Furthermore, an intracellular sheet-like or fingerprint-shape structure was investigated in two recombinant strains, which expressed SlpC and DeltaSlpC protein respectively, by ultrathin microscopy study, but bioassay results suggested that the S-layer protein of wild B. sphaericus C3-41 and recombinant E. coli BL21 (pET28a/slpC) have no direct toxicity against mosquito larvae. These results should provide information for further understanding of the function of S-layer protein of pathogenic B. sphaericus.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Phylogeny
30. Thanabalu  T, Hindley  J, Jackson-Yap  J, Berry  C,     ( 1991 )

Cloning, sequencing, and expression of a gene encoding a 100-kilodalton mosquitocidal toxin from Bacillus sphaericus SSII-1.

Journal of bacteriology 173 (9)
PMID : 1840581  :   DOI  :   10.1128/jb.173.9.2776-2785.1991     PMC  :   PMC207857    
Abstract >>
A cosmid library was prepared from a partial BamHI digest of total DNA from Bacillus sphaericus SSII-1. Two hundred fifty Escherichia coli clones were screened for toxicity against larvae of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. One toxic clone, designated pKF2, was chosen for further study. Two toxic subclones, designated pXP33 and pXP34, obtained by ligating PstI-derived fragments of pKF2 into pUC18, contained the same 3.8-kb fragment, but in opposite orientations. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of an open reading frame corresponding to a 100-kDa protein and the 3' end of a further open reading frame having significant homology to open reading frames of transposons Tn501 and Tn21. The sequence of the SSII-1 toxin was compared with those of known toxins and was found to show regional homology to those of ADP-ribosyltransferase toxins. The distribution of the toxin gene among other B. sphaericus strains was examined.
KeywordMeSH Terms
31. Castiglioni  S, Pomati  F, Miller  K, Burns  BP, Zuccato  E, Calamari  D, Neilan  BA,     ( 2008 )

Novel homologs of the multiple resistance regulator marA in antibiotic-contaminated environments.

Water research 42 (16)
PMID : 18771790  :   DOI  :   10.1016/j.watres.2008.07.004    
Abstract >>
Antibiotics are commonly detected in the environment as contaminants. Exposure to antibiotics may induce antimicrobial-resistance, as well as the horizontal transfer of resistance genes in bacterial populations. We selected the resistance gene marA, mediating resistance to multiple antibiotics, and explored its distribution in sediment and water samples from surface and sewage treatment waters. Ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin (fluoroquinolones), sulphamethoxazole (sulphonamide), erythromycin, clarythromycin, and spiramycin (macrolides), lincomycin (lincosamide), and oxytetracycline (tetracycline) were measured in the same samples to determine antibiotic contamination. Bacterial populations from environmental samples were challenged with antibiotics to identify resistant isolates. The gene marA was found in almost all environmental samples and was confirmed by PCR amplification in antibiotic-resistant colonies. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that the majority of resistant isolates belonged to the Gram-positive genus Bacillus, not previously known to possess the regulator marA. We assayed the incidence of marA in environmental bacterial populations of Escherichia coli and Bacillus by quantitative real-time PCR in correlation with the levels of antibiotics. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the possible lateral acquisition of marA by Bacillus from Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae revealing a novel marA homolog in Bacillus. Quantitative PCR assays indicate that the frequency of this gene in antropised environments seems to be related to bacterial exposure to water-borne antibiotics.
KeywordMeSH Terms
32. Park  HW, Mangum  CM, Zhong  H, Hayes  SR,     ( 2007 )

Isolation of Bacillus sphaericus with improved efficacy against Culex quinquefasciatus.

Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association 23 (4)
PMID : 18240524  :   DOI  :   10.2987/5663.1    
Abstract >>
A Bacillus sphaericus highly toxic to 4th-stage Culex quinquefasciatus was isolated from sediment samples collected at Winter Beach marsh in Indian River County, Florida. This isolate, named WBM 1-1-13, showed significantly higher toxicity compared with strain 2297. WBM 1-1-13 is equivalent, though better initially, to the toxicity of strain 2362, the active ingredient of VectoLex. Furthermore, the Winter Beach marsh isolate produced more Bin per unit medium than strain 2362, which suggests that this new isolate could be useful for Culex control.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Mosquito Control
33. Okazaki  N, Hibino  Y, Asano  Y, Ohmori  M, Numao  N, Kondo  K,     ( 1988 )

Cloning and nucleotide sequencing of phenylalanine dehydrogenase gene of Bacillus sphaericus.

Gene 63 (2)
PMID : 2838396  :   DOI  :   10.1016/0378-1119(88)90537-9    
Abstract >>
The gene coding for phenylalanine dehydrogenase [PDH; L-phenylalanine: NAD+ oxidoreductase (deaminating); EC 1.4.1.-] from Bacillus sphaericus SCRC-79a was cloned onto plasmid pUC9, and the nucleotide sequence of the 2-kb DNA region of the insert was determined. A 1143-bp open reading frame consisting of 381 codons was identified as a pdh gene coding for PDH.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Cloning, Molecular
Genes
Genes, Bacterial
34. Berry  C, Jackson-Yap  J, Oei  C, Hindley  J,     ( 1989 )

Nucleotide sequence of two toxin genes from Bacillus sphaericus IAB59: sequence comparisons between five highly toxinogenic strains.

Nucleic acids research 17 (18)
PMID : 2798104  :   DOI  :   10.1093/nar/17.18.7516     PMC  :   PMC334830    
Abstract >>
N/A
KeywordMeSH Terms
35. Bowditch  RD, Baumann  P, Yousten  AA,     ( 1989 )

Cloning and sequencing of the gene encoding a 125-kilodalton surface-layer protein from Bacillus sphaericus 2362 and of a related cryptic gene.

Journal of bacteriology 171 (8)
PMID : 2666389  :   DOI  :   10.1128/jb.171.8.4178-4188.1989     PMC  :   PMC210188    
Abstract >>
Using the vector pGEM-4-blue, a 4,251-base-pair DNA fragment containing the gene for the surface (S)-layer protein of Bacillus sphaericus 2362 was cloned into Escherichia coli. Determination of the nucleotide sequence indicated an open reading frame (ORF) coding for a protein of 1,176 amino acids with a molecular size of 125 kilodaltons (kDa). A protein of this size which reacted with antibody to the 122-kDa S-layer protein of B. sphaericus was detected in cells of E. coli containing the recombinant plasmid. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence indicated a highly hydrophobic N-terminal region which had the characteristics of a leader peptide. The first amino acid of the N-terminal sequence of the 122-kDa S-layer protein followed the predicted cleavage site of the leader peptide in the 125-kDa protein. A sequence characteristic of promoters expressed during vegetative growth was found within a 177-base-pair region upstream from the ORF coding for the 125-kDa protein. This putative promoter may account for the expression of this gene during the vegetative growth of B. sphaericus and E. coli. The gene for the 125-kDa protein was followed by an inverted repeat characteristic of terminators. Downstream from this gene (11.2 kilobases) was an ORF coding for a putative 80-kDa protein having a high sequence similarity to the 125-kDa protein. Evidence was presented indicating that this gene is cryptic.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Cloning, Molecular
Genes
Genes, Bacterial
36. Gloeckler  R, Lemoine  Y, Kamogawa  K, Ohsawa  I, Speck  D, Kisou  T, Hayakawa  K, Zinsius  M,     ( 1989 )

Cloning of the biotin synthetase gene from Bacillus sphaericus and expression in Escherichia coli and Bacilli.

Gene 80 (1)
PMID : 2507401  :   DOI  :   10.1016/0378-1119(89)90248-5    
Abstract >>
Biotin synthetase (BS) catalyses the biotransformation of dethiobiotin (DTB) to biotin. Here we report the cloning, characterization and expression of the gene encoding BS of Bacillus sphaericus. A recombinant plasmid pSB01, containing an 8.2-kb DNA fragment from B. sphaericus, was isolated by phenotypic complementation of an Escherichia coli bioB strain. Nucleotide sequence analysis of this fragment and N-terminal sequence determination of the recombinant protein product revealed that the bioB gene of B. sphaericus consists of a 996-bp open reading frame which is closely associated with at least one other gene. E. coli cells transformed with a bioB expression vector performed efficient bioconversion of DTB to biotin under defined culture conditions. Biotin production from transformed Bacillus subtilis and B. sphaericus recombinant strains was also demonstrated. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of BS from E. coli and B. sphaericus revealed extensive similarity.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Cloning, Molecular
Genes, Bacterial
37. Srisucharitpanit  K, Yao  M, Promdonkoy  B, Chimnaronk  S, Tanaka  I, Boonserm  P,     ( 2014 )

Crystal structure of BinB: a receptor binding component of the binary toxin from Lysinibacillus sphaericus.

Proteins 82 (10)
PMID : 24975613  :   DOI  :   10.1002/prot.24636    
Abstract >>
The binary toxin (Bin), produced by Lysinibacillus sphaericus, is composed of BinA (42 kDa) and BinB (51 kDa) proteins, which are both required for full toxicity against Culex and Anopheles mosquito larvae. Specificity of Bin toxin is determined by the binding of BinB component to a receptor present on the midgut epithelial membranes, while BinA is proposed to be a toxic component. Here, we determined the first crystal structure of the active form of BinB at a resolution of 1.75 ?. BinB possesses two distinct structural domains in its N- and C-termini. The globular N-terminal domain has a �]-trefoil scaffold which is a highly conserved architecture of some sugar binding proteins or lectins, suggesting a role of this domain in receptor-binding. The BinB �]-rich C-terminal domain shares similar three-dimensional folding with aerolysin type �]-pore forming toxins, despite a low sequence identity. The BinB structure, therefore, is a new member of the aerolysin-like toxin family, with probably similarities in the cytolytic mechanism that takes place via pore formation.
KeywordMeSH Terms
aerolysin-like toxin
pore forming toxin
transmembrane β-hairpin
Models, Molecular
38.     ( 1997 )

Footprint analysis of the bsp RI DNA methyltransferase-DNA interaction.

Nucleic acids research 25 (14)
PMID : 9207033  :   DOI  :   10.1093/nar/25.14.2841     PMC  :   PMC146830    
Abstract >>
The interaction between the GGCC-specific Bsp RI DNA methyltransferase (M. Bsp RI) and substrate DNA was studied with footprinting techniques using a DNA fragment that was unmodified on both strands. Footprinting with DNase I revealed an approximately 14 bp protected region. Footprinting with dimethylsulfate detected major groove interactions with the guanine bases of the recognition sequence. Reaction with 1,10-phenanthroline-copper did not show protection, suggesting that minor groove interactions play little role in sequence-specific recognition by M. Bsp RI. Hydroxyl radical footprinting revealed a protected stretch of 6 nt. The hydroxyl radical footprint of M. Bsp RI differs markedly from the the footprint reported for the Hha I and Sss I methyltransferases. The pattern of protection from dimethylsulfate and hydroxyl radicals suggests that the interactions of M. Bsp RI with DNA are similar to those detected in the co-crystal structure of the Hae III methyltransferase.
KeywordMeSH Terms
DNA Footprinting
39. Lozano  LC, Ayala  JA, Dussán  J,     ( 2011 )

Lysinibacillus sphaericus S-layer protein toxicity against Culex quinquefasciatus.

Biotechnology letters 33 (10)
PMID : 21671091  :   DOI  :   10.1007/s10529-011-0666-9    
Abstract >>
The main toxicity mechanism of Lysinibacillus sphaericus, which is used in the control of mosquitoes, is its binary toxin produced during sporulation; additionally the Mtx1, Mtx2 and Mtx 3 toxins are expressed in vegetative cells. Mosquito larvicidal potency of the S-layer protein that is expressed in vegetative cells has been determined. The protein is similar to other S-layer proteins of mosquitocidal L. sphaericus strains. The LC50 values of the S-layer protein of the L. sphaericus OT4b25, OT4b26, and III(3)7 strains against third-instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus were 8.7, 24 and 0.68 �gg/ml, respectively. To our knowledge this is the first study showing the mosquito larvicidal potency of the S-layer protein from Lysinibacillus sphaericus.
KeywordMeSH Terms
40.     ( 1997 )

Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the spoIIA operon from diverse Bacillus and Paenibacillus species.

Gene 194 (1)
PMID : 9266669  :   DOI  :   10.1016/s0378-1119(97)00096-6    
Abstract >>
In order to clone the spoIIA operon from three different Bacillus and Paenibacillus species, we designed two sets of PCR primers based on three previously published Bacillus spoIIA sequences. One set of primers corresponded to the C-terminal region of SpoIIAB and a region near the middle of SpoIIAC. These primers were used to amplify the corresponding region of spoIIA from Bacillus stearothermophilus and Paenibacillus polymyxa (previously called Bacillus polymyxa [see Ash, C., Priest, F.G., Collins, M.D., 1993. Molecular identification of ribosomal-RNA group 3 bacilli using a PCR probe test - proposal for the creation of a new genus Paenibacillus. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Int. J. Gen. Mol. Microbiol. 64, 253-260]. The other set of primers, corresponding to an N-terminal and a C-terminal region of SpoIIAC, was used for B. sphaericus. The PCR products were used as probes for Southern blotting of homologous chromosomal DNA. DNA corresponding to spoIIA from the three organisms was identified by screening chromosomal DNA libraries, and cloned. Sequence analysis showed that all spoIIA sequences were conserved, but conservation was strongest in SpoIIAC and least strong in SpoIIAA. In the promoter the -35 region was conserved well but the -10 region rather poorly. Within the proteins, certain regions were particularly strongly conserved, suggesting that they are essential to the function of the protein. Phylogenetic analysis of spoIIA suggested that B. stearothermophilus is close to B. subtilis and B. licheniformis, but that P. polymyxa and B. sphaericus are remote from B. subtilis.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Operon
Phylogeny
Sigma Factor
Transcription Factors
41.     ( 1996 )

New gene from nine Bacillus sphaericus strains encoding highly conserved 35.8-kilodalton mosquitocidal toxins.

Applied and environmental microbiology 62 (6)
PMID : 8787415  :   PMC  :   PMC167996    
Abstract >>
A new gene encoding a 35.8-kDa mosquitocidal toxin (Mtx3; 326 amino acids) was isolated from Bacillus sphaericus SSII-1 DNA. Mtx3 is a new type of mosquitocidal toxin with homology to the Mtx2 mosquitocidal toxin of B. sphaericus SSII-1, the epsilon-toxin of Clostridium perfringens, and the cytotoxin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mtx3 gene is highly conserved and widely distributed in both high- and low-toxicity mosquito larvicidal strains of B. sphaericus.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Genes, Bacterial
42.     ( 1996 )

Unusual amino acid determinants of host range in the Mtx2 family of mosquitocidal toxins.

The Journal of biological chemistry 271 (24)
PMID : 8662969  :   DOI  :   10.1074/jbc.271.24.14183    
Abstract >>
Five different mosquitocidal toxin (mtx2) gene homologs have been cloned from eight Bacillus sphaericus strains. Pairwise comparisons of the predicted amino acid sequences show between four and eight substitutions compared with the prototype Mtx2 from B. sphaericus strain SSII-1. Mtx2 from strain SSII-1 was approximately 7-fold more toxic to Culex mosquito larvae than the Mtx2 homolog from B. sphaericus strain 31-2. Conversely, Mtx2 from strain 31-2 was approximately 100-fold more toxic to Aedes mosquito larvae than Mtx2 from strain SSII-1. Lys224 in Mtx2 was found to be the most important amino acid for toxicity to Culex larvae, and substitution of Lys224 with threonine abolished the toxicity of Mtx2 from strain SSII-1 to these larvae. In complete contrast, Thr224 was found to be crucial for the toxicity of Mtx2 from strain 31-2 to Aedes larvae, and substitution of Thr224 with lysine caused a approximately 100-fold drop in toxicity to these larvae. Thus, amino acid 224 in the Mtx2 family of mosquitocidal toxins is an unusual and important determinant of mosquito larvicidal activity and host range.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Bacterial Toxins
43.     ( 1994 )

Self-methylation of BspRI DNA-methyltransferase.

Nucleic acids research 22 (15)
PMID : 8065896  :   DOI  :   10.1093/nar/22.15.2876     PMC  :   PMC310249    
Abstract >>
The DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase (m5C-MTase) M.BspRI is able to accept the methyl group from the methyl donor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) in the absence of DNA. Transfer of the methyl group to the enzyme is a slow reaction relative to DNA methylation. Self-methylation is dependent on the native conformation of the enzyme and is inhibited by S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine, DNA and sulfhydryl reagents. Amino acid sequencing of proteolytic peptides obtained from M.BspRI, which had been methylated with [methyl-3H]AdoMet, and thin layer chromatography of the modified amino acid identified two cysteines, Cys156 and Cys181 that bind the methyl group in form of S-methylcysteine. One of the acceptor residues, Cys156 is the highly conserved cysteine which plays the role of the catalytic nucleophile of m5C-MTases.
KeywordMeSH Terms
44.     ( 1996 )

A Bacillus sphaericus gene encoding a novel type of mosquitocidal toxin of 31.8 kDa.

Gene 170 (1)
PMID : 8621095  :   DOI  :   10.1016/0378-1119(95)00836-5    
Abstract >>
A size-fractionated genomic library of Bacillus sphaericus strain SSII-1 was constructed and screened for toxicity against larvae of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (Cq). One toxin-producing clone, pS35, was identified and a 2.7-kb subclone was completely sequenced. An open reading frame of 879 bp encoding a 31.8-kDa protein (designated Mtx2) was identified. Purified, recombinant Mtx2 was toxic to Cq larvae. Mtx2 shows no significant homology to known insecticidal toxins, but has homology to two toxins active against mammalian cells, namely the epsilon-toxin of Clostridium perfringens and the cytotoxin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, Mtx2 represents a new type of mosquitocidal toxin.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Genes, Bacterial
Insecticides
45.     ( 1996 )

Mechanistic studies on the 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase, a pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme involved in biotin biosynthesis.

European journal of biochemistry 236 (1)
PMID : 8617279  :   DOI  :   10.1111/j.1432-1033.1996.00301.x    
Abstract >>
The reaction mechanism of 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate (8-amino-7-oxononoate) synthase from Bacillus sphaericus, an enzyme dependent on pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (pyridoxal-P), which catalyzes the condensation of L-alanine with pimeloyl-CoA, the second step of biotin biosynthesis, has been studied. To facilitate mechanistic studies, an improved over-expression system in Escherichia coli, and a new continuous spectrophotometric assay for 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase were designed. In order to discriminate between the two plausible basic mechanisms that can be put forth for this enzyme, that is: (a) formation of the pyridoxal-P-stabilized carbanion by abstraction of the C2-H proton of the alanine-pyridoxal-P aldimine, followed by acylation and decarboxylation, and (b) formation of the carbanion by decarboxylation followed by acylation, the fate of the C2-H proton of alanine during the course of the reaction has been examined using 1H NMR. Spectra of the 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate formed using either L-[2-2H]alanine in H2O or L-alanine in D2O, showed that the C2-H proton of alanine is lost during the reaction and that the C8-H proton of 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate is derived from the solvent, a result that is only consistent with mechanism (a). Furthermore 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase catalyzes, in the absence of pimeloyl-CoA, the stereospecific exchange, with retention of configuration, of the C2-H proton of L-alanine with the solvent protons. Similarly, 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase catalyzes the exchange of the C8-H proton of 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate. In addition to these exchange reactions, 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase catalyzes an abortive transamination yielding an inactive pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate (pyridoxamine-P) form of 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase and pyruvate. Kinetic analysis gave a rate constant of kexch. = 1.8 min-1 for the exchange reaction which is 10 times lower than the catalytic constant and a rate constant of ktrans. = 0.11 h-1 for the transamination. Finally deuterium kinetic isotope effects (KIE) were measured at position 2 of L-alanine (DV = 1.3) and in D2O (D2OV = 4.0). The magnitudes of the KIE are consistent with a partially rate-limiting abstraction of the C2-H proton of alanine and a partially rate-limiting reprotonation step. Taken together, all these results show that 8-amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase utilizes mechanism (a). 8-Amino-7-oxopelargonate synthase and 5-aminolevulinate synthase, which has also been shown to use mechanism (a), belong to a class of pyridoxal-P-dependent enzymes that catalyze the formation of alpha-oxoamines. Based on the fact that all these alpha-oxoamine synthases share strong sequence similarities, we postulate that they also share the same reaction mechanism.
KeywordMeSH Terms
46.     ( 1995 )

A role for quaternary structure in the substrate specificity of leucine dehydrogenase.

Structure (London, England : 1993) 3 (7)
PMID : 8591046  :  
Abstract >>
Glutamate, phenylalanine and leucine dehydrogenases catalyze the NAD(P)(+)-linked oxidative deamination of L-amino acids to the corresponding 2-oxoacids, and sequence homology between these enzymes clearly indicates the existence of an enzyme superfamily related by divergent evolution. We have undertaken structural studies on a number of members of this family in order to investigate the molecular basis of their differential amino acid specificity. We have solved the X-ray structure of the leucine dehydrogenase from Bacillus sphaericus to a resolution of 2.2 A. Each subunit of this octameric enzyme contains 364 amino acids and folds into two domains, separated by a deep cleft. The nicotinamide ring of the NAD+ cofactor binds deep in this cleft, which is thought to close during the hydride transfer step of the catalytic cycle. Comparison of the structure of leucine dehydrogenase with a hexameric glutamate dehydrogenase has shown that these two enzymes share a related fold and possess a similar catalytic chemistry. A mechanism for the basis of the differential amino acid specificity between these enzymes involves point mutations in the amino acid side-chain specificity pocket and subtle changes in the shape of this pocket caused by the differences in quaternary structure.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Protein Conformation
Protein Structure, Secondary
47.     ( 1993 )

Characterization of the sporulation-related gamma-D-glutamyl-(L)meso-diaminopimelic-acid-hydrolysing peptidase I of Bacillus sphaericus NCTC 9602 as a member of the metallo(zinc) carboxypeptidase A family. Modular design of the protein.

The Biochemical journal 292 (Pt 2) (N/A)
PMID : 8503890  :   DOI  :   10.1042/bj2920563     PMC  :   PMC1134247    
Abstract >>
The sporulation-related gamma-D-glutamyl-(L)meso-diaminopimelic-acid-hydrolysing peptidase I of Bacillus sphaericus NCTC 9602 has been analysed by proton-induced X-ray emission. It contains 1 equivalent Zn2+ per mol of protein. As derived from gene cloning and sequencing, the B. sphaericus Zn peptidase I is a two-module protein. A 100-amino-acid-residue N-terminal domain consisting of two tandem segments of similar sequences, is fused to a 296-amino-acid-residue C-terminal catalytic domain. The catalytic domain belongs to the Zn carboxypeptidase A family, the closest match being observed with the Streptomyces griseus carboxypeptidase [Narahashi (1990) J. Biochem. 107, 879-886] and with the family prototype, bovine carboxypeptidase A. The catalytic domain of the B. sphaericus peptidase I possesses, distributed along the amino-acid sequence, peptide segments, a triad His162-Glu165-His307 and a dyad Tyr347-Glu366 that are equivalent to secondary structures, the zinc-binding triad His69-Glu72-His196 and the catalytic dyad Tyr248-Glu270 of bovine carboxypeptidase A respectively. The N-terminal repeats of the B. sphaericus peptidase I have similarity with the C-terminal repeats of the Enterococcus hirae muramidase 2, the Streptococcus (now Enterococcus) faecalis autolysin and the Bacillus phi PZA and phi 29 lysozymes, to which a role in the recognition of a particular moiety of the bacterial cell envelope has been tentatively assigned. Detergents enhance considerably the specific activity of the B. sphaericus peptidase I.
KeywordMeSH Terms
48. Brown  DP, Ganova-Raeva  L, Green  BD, Wilkinson  SR, Young  M, Youngman  P,     ( 1994 )

Characterization of spo0A homologues in diverse Bacillus and Clostridium species identifies a probable DNA-binding domain.

Molecular microbiology 14 (3)
PMID : 7885226  :   DOI  :   10.1111/j.1365-2958.1994.tb02176.x    
Abstract >>
Spo0A is a phosphorylation-activated transcription factor of Bacillus subtilis. It is a member of the response regulator superfamily of bacterial signal transduction proteins and controls many of the changes in gene expression that occur during the transition into stationary phase and during the initiation of sporulation. To identify the domains of Spo0A most critical for determining its structural and functional features, presumptive homologues of the spo0A gene were characterized in a collection of eight Bacillus species and six Clostridium species representing phylogenetically diverse members of these genera. An alignment of the partial or complete DNA sequences of these homologues revealed three regions of especially high conservation in the effector domain. We speculate that the most highly conserved of these corresponds to the recognition helix of a putative helix-turn-helix motif, and, therefore, represents the actual DNA-containing surface of the protein. In the case of homologues identified in Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium acetobutylicum and retrieved by polymerase chain reaction amplification, we confirmed by gene-disruption analysis that the homologue actually is required for initiation of sporulation. Apparent homologues of the B. subtilis spoIVB gene were also discovered immediately upstream from the spo0A homologues in all Bacillus and Clostridium species examined. The discovery of homologues of B. subtilis sporulation genes in these diverse species implies that the gene products required for specifying pathways of sporulation-specific gene activation and for determining key morphogenetic changes may be highly conserved and suggests that an approach similar to that undertaken here might be used as a general strategy to retrieve and compare their gene sequences. Exhaustive efforts to detect a spo0A-like gene in non-endospore formers, including close relatives of Bacillus such as Listeria and Staphylococcus, were uniformly unsuccessful, suggesting that regulation of gene activity during the transition into stationary phase mediated by Spo0A-like proteins may be exclusive to the endospore-forming bacteria.
KeywordMeSH Terms
49. Oguma  T, Matsuyama  A, Kikuchi  M, Nakano  E,     ( 1993 )

Cloning and sequence analysis of the cyclomaltodextrinase gene from Bacillus sphaericus and expression in Escherichia coli cells.

Applied microbiology and biotechnology 39 (2)
PMID : 7763728  :  
Abstract >>
The gene for cyclomaltodextrinase (CDase; EC 3.2.1.54) from Bacillus sphaericus E-244 was cloned in the recombinant plasmid pCD629. Sequencing a portion of pCD629 revealed a unique open reading frame of 1,773 nucleotides coding for a 591-amino-acid polypeptide. The deduced polypeptide sequence showed about 50% homology with that of a neopullulanase, and was slightly homologous to those of the cyclodextrin glucanotransferases and the alpha-amylases. The optimum pH, specific activity and Km value for beta-cyclodextrin of the CDase that has been produced in Escherichia coli cells were 8.0, 16.4 units/mg protein, and 0.41 mM, respectively. These values were almost identical to those from B. sphaericus E-244.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
Genes, Bacterial
50. Misono  H, Soda  K,     ( 1980 )

Properties of meso-alpha,epsilon-diaminopimelate D-dehydrogenase from Bacillus sphaericus.

The Journal of biological chemistry 255 (22)
PMID : 7430138  :  
Abstract >>
meso-alpha,epsilon-Diaminopimelate D-dehydrogenase, which has been purified to homogeneity from the extract of Bacillus sphaericus IFO 3525, has a molecular weight of about 80,000 and consists of two subunits identical in molecular weight (approximately 40,000). The enzyme has a high substrate specificity. In addition to meso-alpha,epsilon-diaminopimelate, lanthionine is deaminated by the enzyme to a far lesser extent. NADP+ is the exclusive cofactor. The pH optima were at about 10.5 for the deamination of meso-alpha,epsilon-diaminopimelate and at 7.5 for its amination. L and D isomers of alpha,epsilon-diaminopimelate and meso-alpha,delta-diaminoadipate competitively inhibit the oxidation of meso-alpha,epsilon-diaminopimelate. Initial velocity and product inhibition studies show that the reductive amination proceeds through a sequential ordered ternary-binary mechanism. NADPH binds first to the enzyme followed by L-alpha-amino-epsilon-ketopimelate and ammonia, and the products are released in the order of meso-alpha,epsilon-diaminopimelate and NADP+. The Michaelis constants are as follows: meso-alpha,epsilon-diaminopimelate (2.5 mM), NADP+ (83 micro M), NADPH (0.2 mM), L-alpha-amino-epsilon-ketopimelate (0.24 mM), and ammonia (12.5 mM). The pro-S hydrogen at C-4 of the dihydronicotinamide ring of NADPH is transferred to the substrate; the enzyme is B-stereospecific. Fluorometric study on binding of NADPH to the enzyme revealed that the enzyme contains two coenzyme binding sites per molecule.
KeywordMeSH Terms
51. Hindley  J, Berry  C,     ( 1987 )

Identification, cloning and sequence analysis of the Bacillus sphaericus 1593 41.9 kD larvicidal toxin gene.

Molecular microbiology 1 (2)
PMID : 3449740  :   DOI  :   10.1111/j.1365-2958.1987.tb00511.x    
Abstract >>
A number of strains of the widespread aerobic soil bacterium, Bacillus sphaericus, possess crystalline inclusions of a toxin lethal to a variety of insect (larvae) which are vectors of major tropical diseases. Partial amino acid sequence data from one strain, B. sphaericus 2362 have permitted us to design oligonucleotide probes for identifying the toxin gene in the closely related B. sphaericus 1593. The gene was found to be contained within an EcoRI-HindIII fragment and was cloned in its entirety in the bacterial plasmid pUC12. The DNA sequence was determined together with the upstream and downstream controlling elements, and a sequence of 370 amino acids was deduced for the toxin protein. This is the first reported sequence of a B. sphaericus toxin gene and will facilitate further work in characterizing the genes from other strains of different virulence and host range. The data do not support the suggestion that the toxin is derived by proteolysis of a protoxin precursor.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Genes
Genes, Bacterial
52. Garnier  M, Vacheron  MJ, Guinand  M, Michel  G,     ( 1985 )

Purification and partial characterization of the extracellular gamma-D-glutamyl-(L)meso-diaminopimelate endopeptidase I, from Bacillus sphaericus NCTC 9602.

European journal of biochemistry 148 (3)
PMID : 3922755  :   DOI  :   10.1111/j.1432-1033.1985.tb08873.x    
Abstract >>
The gamma-D-glutamyl-(L)meso-diaminopimelate endopeptidase, or endopeptidase I, from Bacillus sphaericus 9602 was purified to apparent protein homogeneity. The purification was achieved by a six-step procedure: ammonium sulfate fractionation, phenyl-Sepharose chromatography, two consecutive DEAE-Trisacryl chromatographies, chromatofocusing and Sephacryl S-200 permeation chromatography. The enzyme was purified 5000-fold with a 38% recovery of lytic activity. It is an acidic protein (pI 5.4) of hydrophobic nature. Kinetic studies have shown a Km value of 0.57 mM and an apparent Vmax of 8.3 mumol min-1 (mg enzyme)-1 with N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-gamma-D-glutamyl-(L)meso-diaminopimelyl (L)-D-[14C]alanine as substrate. The enzyme was inhibited by o-phenanthroline and EDTA and was reactivated by zinc, cobalt and manganese ions; thus endopeptidase I is a metallo enzyme, probably a zinc enzyme. Moreover it is a heat-stable protein with an apparent inactivation temperature of 80 degrees C.
KeywordMeSH Terms
53. Pósfai  G, Kiss  A, Erdei  S, Pósfai  J, Venetianer  P,     ( 1983 )

Structure of the Bacillus sphaericus R modification methylase gene.

Journal of molecular biology 170 (3)
PMID : 6313947  :   DOI  :   10.1016/s0022-2836(83)80123-5    
Abstract >>
A 2.5 X 10(3) base-pair segment of Bacillus sphaericus R DNA cloned in Escherichia coli has previously been shown to carry the functional BspRI modification methylase gene. The approximate location of the gene on this DNA segment and its direction of transcription were established by subcloning experiments. The nucleotide sequence of the relevant region was determined by the Maxam-Gilbert procedure. An open reading frame that can code for a 424 amino acid protein was found. The calculated molecular weight (48,264) of this protein is in fair agreement with previous estimates (50,000 to 52,000). The synthesis of this protein was demonstrated in E. coli minicells. The initiation point of transcription by E. coli RNA polymerase was localized by in vitro transcription experiments. The open reading frame starts 29 base-pairs downstream from the transcription initiation site and it is preceded by a sequence showing extensive Shine-Dalgarno complementarity. Subcloning experiments and translation in minicells suggest that after removal of this translational initiation site, a secondary start site 29 amino acids downstream can also start translation in E. coli, and this shorter protein retains the methylase activity. The overall base composition of the gene and the codon usage indicate a strong preference for A.T base-pairs.
KeywordMeSH Terms
DNA-Cytosine Methylases
Genes, Bacterial
54. Berry  C, Hindley  J,     ( 1987 )

Bacillus sphaericus strain 2362: identification and nucleotide sequence of the 41.9 kDa toxin gene.

Nucleic acids research 15 (14)
PMID : 3615208  :   DOI  :   10.1093/nar/15.14.5891     PMC  :   PMC306035    
Abstract >>
N/A
KeywordMeSH Terms
Genes
Genes, Bacterial
55. Baumann  P, Unterman  BM, Baumann  L, Broadwell  AH, Abbene  SJ, Bowditch  RD,     ( 1985 )

Purification of the larvicidal toxin of Bacillus sphaericus and evidence for high-molecular-weight precursors.

Journal of bacteriology 163 (2)
PMID : 3926751  :   PMC  :   PMC219184    
Abstract >>
Crystals were purified from spore-crystal complexes of Bacillus sphaericus 2362 by disruption in a French pressure cell followed by centrifugation through 48% (wt/vol) NaBr. Crystals from such preparations had a 50% lethal concentration of 6 ng of protein per ml for the larvae of the mosquito Culex pipiens. When subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions, the proteins in B. sphaericus crystals migrated in positions corresponding to 43, 63, 98, 110, and 125 kilodaltons (kDa); solubilization of the crystal at pH 12 with NaOH eliminated all but the bands at 43 and 63 kDa. Since NaOH-solubilized preparations were toxic to mosquito larvae, these proteins were purified to electrophoretic homogeneity and antiserum was obtained to each. Analysis of the two purified proteins indicated that the 43-kDa protein was toxic to mosquito larvae (50% lethal concentration, 35 ng of protein per ml), whereas the 63-kDa protein was not. Further differences between them were their amino acid compositions, their lack of immunological cross-reactivity, their opposite net charges at pH 7.5, and their susceptibility to digestion by larval midgut proteases (the 63-kDa protein was highly susceptible, whereas the 43-kDa protein was not). The sequence of the 40 N-terminal residues of the 43-kDa protein was determined and found to contain a high percentage of hydrophobic amino acids. The sequence of the 63-kDa protein could not be determined, since it had multiple N termini. By electrophoretically separating the crystal proteins and then electroblotting onto nitrocellulose paper and visualizing the bands with antisera to the 43- and 63-kDa proteins in conjunction with an immunoblot assay, it was found that the high-molecular-mass crystal proteins (98 to 125 kDa) contained antigenic determinants of both proteins. These results suggested that the lower-molecular-weight crystal proteins detected in polyacrylamide gels after electrophoresis under denaturing conditions were derivatives of one or more of the higher-molecular-weight crystal proteins. In vivo studies of the products of crystal degradation by larvae of Culex pipiens indicated that the high-molecular-weight proteins and the 63-kDa antigenic determinants were rapidly degraded and that a 40-kDa protein related to the 43-kDa toxin persisted for the duration of the experiment (4 h). Some of the studies performed with B.sphaericus 2362 were extended to strains 1593, 1691, and 2297 of this species with results which indicated a high degree of similarity between the crystal proteins of all these larvicidal strains.
KeywordMeSH Terms
56. Arapinis  C, de la Torre  F, Szulmajster  J,     ( 1988 )

Nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence of the Bacillus sphaericus 1593M gene encoding a 51.4 kD polypeptide which acts synergistically with the 42 kD protein for expression of the larvicidal toxin.

Nucleic acids research 16 (15)
PMID : 3412905  :   DOI  :   10.1093/nar/16.15.7731     PMC  :   PMC338453    
Abstract >>
N/A
KeywordMeSH Terms
Genes, Bacterial
57. Hindley  J, Berry  C,     ( 1988 )

Bacillus sphaericus strain 2297: nucleotide sequence of 41.9 kDa toxin gene.

Nucleic acids research 16 (9)
PMID : 3375083  :   DOI  :   10.1093/nar/16.9.4168     PMC  :   PMC336594    
Abstract >>
N/A
KeywordMeSH Terms
Genes
Genes, Bacterial
58. Baumann  L, Broadwell  AH, Baumann  P,     ( 1988 )

Sequence analysis of the mosquitocidal toxin genes encoding 51.4- and 41.9-kilodalton proteins from Bacillus sphaericus 2362 and 2297.

Journal of bacteriology 170 (5)
PMID : 3360740  :   DOI  :   10.1128/jb.170.5.2045-2050.1988     PMC  :   PMC211084    
Abstract >>
The nucleotide sequences of a 3,479-base-pair HindIII DNA fragment from Bacillus sphaericus 2362 and a 2,940-base-pair fragment from strain 2297 were determined; only minor differences were detected between them. Each contained two open reading frames coding for proteins of 51.4 and 41.9 kilodaltons. Both proteins were required for toxicity to larvae of the mosquito Culex pipiens.
KeywordMeSH Terms
59. Olsson  A, Uhlén  M,     ( 1986 )

Sequencing and heterologous expression of the gene encoding penicillin V amidase from Bacillus sphaericus.

Gene 45 (2)
PMID : 3026906  :   DOI  :   10.1016/0378-1119(86)90252-0    
Abstract >>
The Bacillus sphaericus gene encoding penicillin V amidase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of penicillin V, has been characterized. The entire nucleotide sequence of the coding region, as well as 5'- and 3'-flanking regions, was determined using an improved sequencing strategy. The deduced amino acid sequence suggests a protein consisting of 338 residues with an Mr of 37,500. The ATG initiator codon is preceded by a putative ribosome-binding site, typical for genes of Gram-positive origin. High expression of the gene was obtained in Escherichia coli using an inducible promoter, showing that the gene product is stable in this heterologous host.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Genes
Genes, Bacterial
60. Monod  M, Mohan  S, Dubnau  D,     ( 1987 )

Cloning and analysis of ermG, a new macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance element from Bacillus sphaericus.

Journal of bacteriology 169 (1)
PMID : 3025178  :   DOI  :   10.1128/jb.169.1.340-350.1987     PMC  :   PMC211773    
Abstract >>
To analyze the regulation of a newly discovered macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance element (ermG) found in a soil isolate of Bacillus sphaericus, we cloned this determinant and obtained its DNA sequence. Minicell analysis revealed that ermG specifies a 29,000-dalton protein, the synthesis of which is induced by erythromycin. S1 nuclease mapping was used to identify the transcriptional start site. These experiments demonstrated the presence on the ermG mRNA of a 197 to 198-base leader. Within the leader are two small open reading frames (ORFs) capable of encoding 11- and 19-amino-acid peptides. Each ORF is preceded by a suitably spaced Shine-Dalgarno sequence. The ermG protein is encoded by a large ORF that encodes a 244-amino-acid protein, in agreement with the minicell results. This protein and the 19-amino-acid peptide are highly homologous to the equivalent products of ermC and ermA. We conclude, on the basis of this homology, that ermG encodes an rRNA transmethylase. The leader of ermG can be folded into a structure that sequesters the Shine-Dalgarno sequence and start codon for the large ORF (SD3). On the basis of these data and on the observed greater responsiveness of the ermG system than of the ermC system to low concentrations of erythromycin, we propose a model for the regulation of this gene in which the stalling of a ribosome under the influence of an inducer, while reading either peptide, suffices to uncover SD3 and allow translation of the rRNA transmethylase. The evolution of ermG is discussed.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Cloning, Molecular
Macrolides
61. Bafana  A, Khan  F, Suguna  K,     ( 2017 )

Structural and functional characterization of mercuric reductase from Lysinibacillus sphaericus strain G1.

Biometals : an international journal on the role of metal ions in biology, biochemistry, and medicine 30 (5)
PMID : 28894951  :   DOI  :   10.1007/s10534-017-0050-x    
Abstract >>
In response to the widespread presence of inorganic Hg in the environment, bacteria have evolved resistance systems with mercuric reductase (MerA) as the key enzyme. MerA enzymes have still not been well characterized from gram positive bacteria. Current study reports physico-chemical, kinetic and structural characterization of MerA from a multiple heavy metal resistant strain of Lysinibacillus sphaericus, and discusses its implications in bioremediation application. The enzyme was homodimeric with subunit molecular weight of about 60 kDa. The Km and Vmax were found to be 32 ?M of HgCl2 and 18 units/mg respectively. The enzyme activity was enhanced by �]-mercaptoethanol and NaCl up to concentrations of 500 ?M and 100 mM respectively, followed by inhibition at higher concentrations. The enzyme showed maximum activity in the pH range of 7-7.5 and temperature range of 25-50 �XC, with melting temperature of 67 �XC. Cu2+ exhibited pronounced inhibition of the enzyme with mixed inhibition pattern. The enzyme contained FAD as the prosthetic group and used NADPH as the preferred electron donor, but it showed slight activity with NADH as well. Structural characterization was carried out by circular dichroism spectrophotometry and X-ray crystallography. X-ray confirmed the homodimeric structure of enzyme and gave an insight on the residues involved in catalytic binding. In conclusion, the investigated enzyme showed higher catalytic efficiency, temperature stability and salt tolerance as compared to MerA enzymes from other mesophiles. Therefore, it is proposed to be a promising candidate for Hg2+ bioremediation.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Bioremediation
Enzyme kinetics
Mercuric reductase
Recombinant production
X-ray crystallography
62.     ( 1990 )

Alanine dehydrogenases from two Bacillus species with distinct thermostabilities: molecular cloning, DNA and protein sequence determination, and structural comparison with other NAD(P)(+)-dependent dehydrogenases.

Biochemistry 29 (4)
PMID : 2340274  :   DOI  :   10.1021/bi00456a025    
Abstract >>
The gene encoding alanine dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.1) from a mesophile, Bacillus sphaericus, was cloned, and its complete DNA sequence was determined. In addition, the same gene from a moderate thermophile, B. stearothermophilus, was analyzed in a similar manner. Large parts of the two translated amino acid sequences were confirmed by automated Edman degradation of tryptic peptide fragments. Each alanine dehydrogenase gene consists of a 1116-bp open reading frame and encodes 372 amino acid residues corresponding to the subunit (Mr = 39,500-40,000) of the hexameric enzyme. The similarity of amino acid sequence between the two alanine dehydrogenases with distinct thermostabilities is very high (greater than 70%). The nonidentical residues are clustered in a few regions with relatively short length, which may correlate with the difference in thermal stability of the enzymes. Homology search of the primary structures of both alanine dehydrogenases with those of other pyridine nucleotide-dependent oxidoreductases revealed significant sequence similarity in the regions containing the coenzyme binding domain. Interestingly, several catalytically important residues in lactate and malate dehydrogenases are conserved in the primary structure of alanine dehydrogenases at matched positions with similar mutual distances.
KeywordMeSH Terms
63.     ( 2013 )

Identification of a novel gene cluster in the upstream region of the S-layer gene sbpA involved in cell wall metabolism of Lysinibacillus sphaericus CCM 2177 and characterization of the recombinantly produced autolysin and pyruvyl transferase.

Archives of microbiology 195 (5)
PMID : 23443476  :   DOI  :   10.1007/s00203-013-0876-8    
Abstract >>
The S-layer protein SbpA of Lysinibacillus sphaericus CCM 2177 assembles into a square (p4) lattice structure and recognizes a pyruvylated secondary cell wall polymer (SCWP) as the proper anchoring structure to the rigid cell wall layer. Sequencing of 8,004 bp in the 5'-upstream region of the S-layer gene sbpA led to five ORFs-encoding proteins involved in cell wall metabolism. After cloning and heterologous expression of ORF1 and ORF5 in Escherichia coli, the recombinant autolysin rAbpA and the recombinant pyruvyl transferase rCsaB were isolated, purified, and correct folding was confirmed by circular dichroism. Although rAbpA encoded by ORF1 showed amidase activity, it could attack whole cells of Ly. sphaericus CCM 2177 only after complete extraction of the S-layer lattice. Despite the presence of three S-layer-homology motifs on the N-terminal part, rAbpA did not show detectable affinity to peptidoglycan-containing sacculi, nor to isolated SCWP. As the molecular mass of the autolysin lies above the molecular exclusion limit of the S-layer, AbpA is obviously trapped within the rigid cell wall layer by the isoporous protein lattice. Immunogold-labeling of ultrathin-sectioned whole cells of Ly. sphaericus CCM 2177 with a polyclonal rabbit antiserum raised against rCsaB encoded by ORF5, and cell fractionation experiments demonstrated that the pyruvyl transferase was located in the cytoplasm, but not associated with cell envelope components including the plasma membrane. In enzymatic assays, rCsaB clearly showed pyruvyl transferase activity. By using RT-PCR, specific transcripts for each ORF could be detected. Cotranscription could be confirmed for ORF2 and ORF3.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Multigene Family
Open Reading Frames
64.     ( 2013 )

Identification of multiple putative S-layer genes partly expressed by Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53.

Microbiology (Reading, England) 159 (Pt 6)
PMID : 23579690  :   DOI  :   10.1099/mic.0.065763-0    
Abstract >>
Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53 was isolated from the uranium mining waste pile Haberland near Johanngeorgenstadt, Germany. Previous studies have shown that many bacteria that have been isolated from these heavy metal contaminated environments possess surface layer (S-layer) proteins that enable the bacteria to survive by binding metals with high affinity. Conversely, essential trace elements are able to cross the filter layer and reach the interior of the cell. This is especially true of the S-layer of L. sphaericus JG-B53, which possesses outstanding recrystallization and metal-binding properties. In this study, S-layer protein gene sequences encoded in the genome of L. sphaericus JG-B53 were identified using next-generation sequencing technology followed by bioinformatic analyses. The genome of L. sphaericus JG-B53 encodes at least eight putative S-layer protein genes with distinct differences. Using mRNA analysis the expression of the putative S-layer protein genes was studied. The functional S-layer protein B53 Slp1 was identified as the dominantly expressed S-layer protein in L. sphaericus JG-B53 by mRNA studies, SDS-PAGE and N-terminal sequencing. B53 Slp1 is characterized by square lattice symmetry and a molecular mass of 116 kDa. The S-layer protein B53 Slp1 shows a high similarity to the functional S-layer protein of L. sphaericus JG-A12, which was isolated from the same uranium mining waste pile Haberland and has been described by previous research. These similarities indicate horizontal gene transfer and DNA rearrangements between these bacteria. The presence of multiple S-layer gene copies may enable the bacterial strains to quickly adapt to changing environments.
KeywordMeSH Terms
Gene Expression
65.     ( 1998 )

Variants of the Bacillus sphaericus binary toxins: implications for differential toxicity of strains.

Journal of invertebrate pathology 71 (2)
PMID : 9500937  :   DOI  :   10.1006/jipa.1997.4711    
Abstract >>
N/A
KeywordMeSH Terms
66.     ( 1998 )

Horizontal spread of mer operons among gram-positive bacteria in natural environments.

Microbiology (Reading, England) 144 (Pt 3) (N/A)
PMID : 9534232  :   DOI  :   10.1099/00221287-144-3-609    
Abstract >>
Horizontal dissemination of the genes responsible for resistance to toxic pollutants may play a key role in the adaptation of bacterial populations to environmental contaminants. However, the frequency and extent of gene dissemination in natural environments is not known. A natural horizontal spread of two distinct mercury resistance (mer) operon variants, which occurred amongst diverse Bacillus and related species over wide geographical areas, is reported. One mer variant encodes a mercuric reductase with a single N-terminal domain, whilst the other encodes a reductase with a duplicated N-terminal domain. The strains containing the former mer operon types are sensitive to organomercurials, and are most common in the terrestrial mercury-resistant Bacillus populations studied in this work. The strains containing the latter operon types are resistant to organomercurials, and dominate in a Minamata Bay mercury-resistant Bacillus population, previously described in the literature. At least three distinct transposons (related to a class II vancomycin-resistance transposon, Tn1546, from a clinical Enterococcus strain) and conjugative plasmids are implicated as mediators of the spread of these mer operons.
KeywordMeSH Terms
DNA Transposable Elements
67.     ( 1998 )

Characterization of the genes encoding D-amino acid transaminase and glutamate racemase, two D-glutamate biosynthetic enzymes of Bacillus sphaericus ATCC 10208.

Journal of bacteriology 180 (16)
PMID : 9696787  :   PMC  :   PMC107435    
Abstract >>
In Bacillus sphaericus and other Bacillus spp., D-amino acid transaminase has been considered solely responsible for biosynthesis of D-glutamate, an essential component of cell wall peptidoglycan, in contrast to the glutamate racemase employed by many other bacteria. We report here the cloning of the dat gene encoding D-amino acid transaminase and the glr gene encoding a glutamate racemase from B. sphaericus ATCC 10208. The glr gene encodes a 28. 8-kDa protein with 40 to 50% sequence identity to the glutamate racemases of Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, and Staphylococcus species. The dat gene encodes a 31.4-kDa peptide with 67% primary sequence homology to the D-amino acid transaminase of the thermophilic Bacillus sp. strain YM1.
KeywordMeSH Terms

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