3D meshwork architecture of the outer coat protein CotE: implications for bacterial endospore sporulation and germination.

ABSTRACT: Bacillus cereus, a Gram-positive aerobic bacterium commonly found in soil, food, and water, forms endospores that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. The endospores are encased in a protective spore coat consisting of multiple layers of proteins, among which, CotE serves as a crucial morphogenetic protein within the outer coat. In this study, we observed that the homotrimeric CotE protein underwent further oligomerization induced by Ca²⁺ and was subsequently dissociated by dipicolinic acid, a compound released from the spore core during germination. Through cryo-electron microscopy and tomography analyses of the Ca²⁺-induced CotE oligomer, combined with structural predictions and biochemical studies, we propose a three-dimensional meshwork organizatio

SUBMITTER: Lee D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11980541 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature