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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Comparative analysis of 23S ribosomal RNA gene sequences of Bacillus anthracis and emetic Bacillus cereus determined by PCR-direct sequencing.

The primary structures of the 23S ribosomal RNA genes of Bacillus anthracis and an emetic strain of Bacillus cereus were determined by direct sequencing of enzymatically amplified chromosomal DNA. The 23S rRNA gene sequences of B. anthracis and B. cereus were found to be almost identical and showed only two differences (a single nucleotide change, and a single base insertion in B. cereus). The feasibility of using PCR-direct sequencing for the rapid sequence determination of large-subunit rRNA genes is demonstrated.

Bacillus anthracis↗
PubMed2025

Identification of sporulation genes in Bacillus anthracis highlights similarities and significant differences with Bacillus subtilis.

The molecular basis of endospore formation in the model gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis has been investigated for over half a century. Here, using high throughput and classical genetic approaches, we performed a comparative analysis of sporulation in the human pathogen Bacillus anthracis. A transposon-sequencing screen identified >150 genes required for B. anthracis sporulation. As anticipated, many of the genes that are critical for sporulation in B. subtilis were also required for B. anthracis sporulation. However, we identified >50 genes that are important for sporulation in B. anthracis but not in B. subtilis, and 22 B. anthracis sporulation genes that are absent from the B. subtilis genome. To validate the hits from our screen, we generated an ordered transposon-mutant library using Knockout Sudoku. Cytological analysis of a subset of the canonical sporulation-defective mutants revealed similar but not identical phenotypes in the pathogen compared to the model. We investigated several of the newly identified sporulation genes, with an in-depth analysis of one, ORF 04167, renamed ipdA. Sporulating cells lacking ipdA are blocked in the morphological process of engulfment, generating septal bulges. An AlphaFold-Multimer screen and a classical genetic enrichment revealed that IpdA is a secreted inhibitor of the polysaccharide deacetylase PdaN. Our data support a model in which induction of IpdA at the onset of sporulation inhibits deacetylation of the cell wall peptidoglycan (PG), enabling the sporulation-specific PG hydrolases to catalyze engulfment. Altogether, our studies reveal that B. subtilis is an excellent model for endospore formation in B. anthracis, while underscoring the importance of direct analysis in B. anthracis. The suite of tools that we have generated will catalyze the molecular dissection of sporulation and other cell biological processes in this important human pathogen.

Bacillus anthracis↗
PubMed1975

The fine structure and the protein composition of gamma phage of Bacillus anthracis.

The fine structure of gamma phage of Bacillus anthracis was studied by electron microscopy with a negative-staining technique. The phage has a hexagonal head and a long tail without a sheath. By electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels, the proteins of the phage particles are separate into 10 polypeptides with molecular weights ranging from 140 000 to 12 000.

Bacillus anthracis↗
PubMed1992

Functional characterization of protease-treated Bacillus anthracis protective antigen.

Characterization of the functional domains of Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (PA, 83-kDa), the common cellular binding molecule for both anthrax edema toxin and anthrax lethal toxin, is important for understanding the mechanism of entry and action of the anthrax toxins. In this study, we generated both biologically active (facilitates killing of J774A.1 cells in combination with lethal factor, LF) and inactive preparations of PA by protease treatment. Limited proteolytic digestion of PA in vitro with trypsin generated a 20-kDa fragment and a biologically active 63-kDa fragment. In contrast, limited digestion of PA with chymotrypsin yielded a preparation containing 37- and 47-kDa fragments defective for biological activity. Treatment with both chymotrypsin and trypsin generated three major fragments, 20, "17," and 47 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This PA preparation was also biologically inactive. To investigate the nature of the defect resulting from chymotrypsin treatment, we assayed PA preparations for the ability to bind to the cellular receptor and to bind and internalize 125I-LF. All radiolabeled PA preparations bound with specificity to J774A.1 cells and exhibited affinities similar to native 83-kDa PA. Once bound to the cell surface receptor, both trypsin-treated PA and chymotrypsin/trypsin-treated PA specifically bound 125I-LF with high affinity. Finally, these PA preparations delivered 125I-LF to a Pronase-resistant cellular compartment in a time- and temperature-dependent fashion. Thus, the biological defect exhibited by chymotrypsin-treated PA is not at the level of cell binding or internalization but at a step later, such as toxin routing or processing by J774A.1 cells. These protease-treated preparations of PA should prove useful in both elucidating the intracellular processing of anthrax lethal toxin and determining the structure-function relationship of PA and LF.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Inhibiting materials for gamma phage adsorption to the cell wall of Bacillus anthracis, strain Pasteur No. 2-H.

Cell wall preparations of Bacillus anthracis, strain Pasteur No. 2-H, were treated with heat or with acetone and ether. Both of the treated cell walls preparations inactivated gamma phage. The centrifuged supernatant of the heat-treated cell walls was fractionated on Sephadex G-200, and four fractions containing reducing sugars were obtained. The first fraction had the phage-inactivating activity. On the other hand, the fourth fraction had no phage-inactivating activity, but strongly inhibited phage adsorption to the cell walls. In the fourth fraction, glutamic acid, alanine, 2,6-diaminopimelic acid and glucosamine were detected by paper chromatography after acid hydrolysis. Authentic D, L-2, 6-diaminopimelic acid and D-glucosamine markedly inhibited phage adsorption to the cell walls. D-Galactosamine, D-mannosamine and L-lysine also showed similar activities. Results suggest the possibility that one or a combination of these substances defines the characteristics of phage adsorption to the cell walls of B. anthracis, strain Pasteur No. 2-H.

Acetone↗
PubMed1975

Adenine nucleotide synthesis and growth rate of the adenyl succinate lyase mutant of Bacillus anthracis.

After mutations affecting the de novo adenine nucleotide synthesis in Bacillus anthracis, the salvage pathway failed to ensure growth at the prototroph level. In sonicated suspensions of adenyl succinate lyase deficient B. anthracis mutant, in the presence of exogenous 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP), part of the labelled adenine was incorporated into adenine nucleotides. Addition of PRPP to cultures of adenyl succinate lyase and adenyl succinate synthetase mutants failed to promote growth. Both kinds of auxotroph showed in vitro a reduced growth rate as compared to the prototrophic strain.

Adenine↗
PubMed1992

Bacillus anthracis but not always anthrax.

Gram-positive bacilli isolated during epidemiological investigations which, on the basis of conventional tests, resemble Bacillus anthracis but which fail to produce the capsule or to induce anthrax in test animals have long been dismissed in clinical and veterinary laboratories as B. cereus or simply as unidentified Bacillus spp. and thereupon discarded as inconsequential. In this study, the application of newly available DNA probe, polymerase chain reaction and specific toxin antigen detection technology has revealed that a proportion of such strains are B. anthracis which lack the plasmid carrying the capsule gene (pXO2). While these techniques cannot, of course, be used to confirm the identities of strains resembling B. anthracis but which also lack the plasmid carrying the toxin genes (pXO1), the likelihood that these also are bona fide B. anthracis becomes more acceptable. (As yet no naturally occurring pXO1-/2+ strains have been found.) At this point, the significance of the presence of such avirulent forms of B. anthracis in specimens can only be a subject for speculation, but the possibility that they may be indicators of virulent parents somewhere in the system being examined must be considered.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Epidemiological Characteristics of Anthrax and Bacillus anthracis Strains - China, 2020-2024.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of anthrax in China has declined since 1990 but has resurged in recent years. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of anthrax and Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) in China from 2020 to 2024 to inform control strategies. METHODS: A descriptive analysis was performed of case characteristics. B. anthracis strains underwent whole-genome sequencing, and phylogenetic relationships were determined by core-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) and canonical single nucleotide polymorphism (canSNP) analysis. RESULTS: Between 2020 and 2024, 1,870 anthrax cases were reported, with a 0.59% case fatality rate. The majority of cases were cutaneous and the incidence increased from year to year. Cases were distributed across 12 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs), with most regions showing an increased incidence between 2021 and 2024. Farmers and herders were the most affected occupational groups, and farmers accounted for an increasing proportion of cases. Cases were primarily concentrated among young and middle-aged men and peaked between July and September. A total of 185 B. anthracis strains were identified in the 12 PLADs and were classified into four sublineages (A.Br.001/002, A.Br.Ames, A.Br.Vollum, and A.Br.005/006). A.Br.001/002 was the most prevalent and widely distributed sublineage. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 14 branches, demonstrating population diversity. Cross-clustering was present among strains from different PLADs. CONCLUSIONS: From 2020 to 2024, anthrax cases generally followed historical patterns but the incidence increased, with broader geographical spread, more diverse clinical types, and interprovincial transmission. These findings highlight the need to strengthen anthrax control efforts, particularly in the central and eastern PLADs.

Anthrax↗
PubMed1992

Regulation of pag gene expression in Bacillus anthracis: use of a pag-lacZ transcriptional fusion.

The production of protective antigen (PA), the common component of the two anthrax toxins, is influenced by the environment. In order to examine factors involved in its regulation, a transcriptional fusion between the promoter region of the PA gene (pag) and the lacZ gene was constructed and introduced into Bacillus anthracis Sterne. Activity of the pag promoter was followed by measuring beta-galactosidase activities under various growth and medium conditions. Expression from the pag promoter was observed throughout exponential-phase and was maximal in early stationary phase. The activity of the pag promoter was stimulated by the addition of glucose in the medium.

Antigens, Bacterial↗