Filamentous structure of the CotVW complex, the crust proteins of the Bacillus subtilis endospore.

ABSTRACT: The endospores of Bacillus subtilis are encased in a multilayered protective structure comprising core, cortex, inner and outer coats, and an outermost crust. Among the proteins required for crust formation, CotV and CotW are unique to B. subtilis and are hypothesized to be instrumental in maintaining spore surface integrity. However, their structural organization and functional mechanisms remain unclear. This study determined the cryo-EM structure of the CotVW complex and revealed its filamentous helical architecture. Structural analysis showed that CotVW possesses a negatively charged surface that enables pH-dependent binding interactions. Specifically, at pH 6.0, CotVW engages in electrostatic interactions with histidine and positively charged residues, suggesting a potential regulatory

SUBMITTER: Jo E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12630357 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature