Metabolomics,Unknown,Transcriptomics,Genomics,Proteomics

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Transcription profiling of Bacillus cereus variants that are filametous or short-celled in the exponential phase

ABSTRACT: While some members of the Bacillus cereus group constitutively display filamentous growth, other members of this group may grow filamentously as a result of environmental stimuli or genetic changes. In this study, two variants of B. cereus ATCC 14579 displaying filamentous growth during exponential phase were compared with a variant which grew as single cells or short chains during this stage of growth. Phenotypic differences between the variants were investigated by a range of methods, comparing the variants at the genomic, transcriptional and translational level to search for changes which could explain the observed phenotypes. Differences were found between filamentous and purely planktonic variants as well as between the filamentous variants. Filamentous variants displayed rougher colony morphology on agar plates, and did not lyse after death or sporulation. One filamentous variant additionally showed reduced sporulation and increased transcription of class I and and III heat shock proteins, but these phenotypes were not found in the other filamentous variant.

ORGANISM(S): Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579

SUBMITTER: Karoline Faegri

PROVIDER: E-TABM-924 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress

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Project description:The goal of this project was to screen soil samples for bacteria that may harbor B. anthracis virulence-associated genes (VAGs). There is currently no information about the prevalence of these types of organisms in the environment. Due to increased environmental monitoring of select agents by programs such as BioWatch and biodetection systems in place at the United States Post Offices and Department of State locations, it has become critical that we not only better understand the natural range of B. anthracis but also how widespread B. anthracis virulence genes are in environmental communities. Naturally occurring isolates containing the B. anthracis virulence genes could generate false-positive results in tests that detect the anthrax toxins, capsule or their associated genes. Understanding the true diversity and pathogenic potential of Bacillus spp. and particularly the B. cereus group is crucial not only in terms of understanding data from environmental monitoring but also diagnosing patients with clinical presentations similar to anthrax in the future. Severe and fatal disease caused by strains similar to B. anthracis could unnecessarily initiate emergency responses if anthrax was incorrectly suspected. Conversely, these strains may be used as bioterror agents requiring science-based responses; presently our limited understanding of these organisms does not permit data-driven decision making. We have investigated 700 aerobic sporoform soil isolates obtained from two areas in the Southwest of the US. Soil samples from the first site had been taken from public access land approximately 50 meters across from the work site of a fatal pneumonia case in a welding factory. This took place in year 2003 when B. cereus was isolated from a metal worker. The second site was targeted because of a recent case involving a deceased mule suspected to have died of a B. anthracis infection. Soil samples were initially analyzed at the CDC. Isolates were obtained by heating the soil at 65 degrees Celcius for 30 minutes followed by plating on agar media. All isolates were screened by PCR for the presence of B. anthracis genomic traits such as toxin genes (cya, lef and pag) as well as chromosomal markers. All isolates were also tested for their hemolytic activity as well as phage sensitivity. Eighty-four query strains were investigated in this study, with each query strain hybridized against the reference strain, Sterne. Two dye-swap experiments were performed with seventeen strains, for a total of four hybridizations per query strain. The other strains have a single dye experiment, for a total of two hybridizations per query strain. Each 70mer oligo spotted on the B. cereus species microarray is spotted once. Positive controls on the array consist of oligos designed from the sequenced reference genome, Sterne, and negative controls on the array consist of oligos designed from the thale cress plant, Arabidopsis thaliana.

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Transcription profiling of Bacillus cereus variants that are filametous or short-celled in the exponential phase

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