The InhA metalloproteases of Bacillus cereus contribute concomitantly to virulence.

ABSTRACT: The virulence of Bacillus cereus requires that bacteria have the capacity to colonize their host, degrade specific tissues, and circumvent the host immune system. To study this aspect of pathogenesis, we focused on three metalloproteases, InhA1, InhA2, and InhA3, which share more than 66% identity. The expression of these metalloprotease genes was assessed by transcriptional fusions with a lacZ reporter gene. The expression profiles suggest a complementary time course of InhA production. Indeed, the genes are simultaneously expressed but are oppositely controlled during stationary phase. We constructed single and multiple inhA mutants and assessed the bacterial locations of the proteins as well as their individual or additive roles in macrophage escape and toxicity, antibacterial-peptide c

SUBMITTER: Guillemet E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2798277 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature