Characterization of a Novel Lytic Protein Encoded by the Bacillus cereus E33L Gene ampD as a Bacillus anthracis Antimicrobial Protein

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.06906-11
• Publication Date: 2012-02-18T04:54:54Z
• Authors: Feliza A. Bourguet; Brian E. Souza; Angela K. Hinz; Matthew A. Coleman; Paul J. Jackson
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Microscopy; Microbial Viability; Protein Stability; Colony Count, Microbial; N-Acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine Amidase; 03 medical and health sciences; Bacteriolysis; Anti-Infective Agents; Bacillus cereus; Bacterial Proteins; Bacillus anthracis; Enzyme Stability

ABSTRACT

Lytic proteins encoded by bacterial genomes have been implicated in cell wall biosynthesis and recycling. The Bacillus cereus E33L ampD gene encodes a putative N -acetylmuramoyl- l -alanine amidase. This gene, expressed in vitro , produced a very stable, highly active lytic protein. Very low concentrations rapidly and efficiently lyse vegetative Bacillus anthracis cells.