TitleEffect of a small, acid-soluble spore protein from Clostridium perfringens on the resistance properties of Bacillus subtilis spores.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsLeyva-Illades, JFrancisco, Setlow, B, Sarker, MR, Setlow, P
JournalJournal of bacteriology
Volume189
Issue21
Pagination7927-31
Date Published2007 Nov
KeywordsBacterial, Spores
Abstract

Alpha/beta-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) are essential for the resistance of DNA in spores of Bacillus species to damage. An alpha/beta-type SASP, Ssp2, from Clostridium perfringens was expressed at significant levels in B. subtilis spores lacking one or both major alpha/beta-type SASP (alpha- and alpha- beta- strains, respectively). Ssp2 restored some of the resistance of alpha- beta- spores to UV and nitrous acid and of alpha- spores to dry heat. Ssp2 also restored much of the resistance of alpha- spores to nitrous acid and restored full resistance of alpha- spores to UV and moist heat. These results further indicate the interchangeability of alpha/beta-type SASP in DNA protection in spores.