Title | Role of GerKB in germination and outgrowth of Clostridium perfringens spores. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2009 |
Authors | Paredes-Sabja, D, Setlow, P, Sarker, MR |
Journal | Applied and environmental microbiology |
Volume | 75 |
Issue | 11 |
Pagination | 3813-7 |
Date Published | 2009 Jun |
Keywords | Bacterial, Spores |
Abstract | Previous work indicated that Clostridium perfringens gerKA gerKC spores germinate significantly, suggesting that gerKB also has a role in C. perfringens spore germination. We now find that (i) gerKB was expressed only during sporulation, likely in the forespore; (ii) gerKB spores germinated like wild-type spores with nonnutrient germinants and with high concentrations of nutrients but more slowly with low nutrient concentrations; and (iii) gerKB spores had lower colony-forming efficiency and slower outgrowth than wild-type spores. These results suggest that GerKB plays an auxiliary role in spore germination under some conditions and is required for normal spore viability and outgrowth. |