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Antibacterial activity of Cry- and Cyt-proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis

Tatyana G Yudina1, Anna V Konukhova, Lyudmila P Revina

  • 1Moscow State University, Department of Microbiology, Leninskie Gory, GSP-3, 119899, Moscow, Russia.

Canadian Journal of Microbiology
|April 4, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins Cry4B, Cry11A, and CytA show antibacterial effects against Micrococcus luteus. Cry11A, in particular, lyses micrococcus protoplasts and its activity is modulated by ions and sugars.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis produces mosquitocidal endotoxins.
  • These endotoxins are primarily known for their insecticidal properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antibacterial activity of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis endotoxins.
  • To determine the effect of Cry11A on Micrococcus luteus and its protoplasts.
  • To explore factors influencing the antibacterial activity of Cry11A.

Main Methods:

  • Testing mosquitocidal endotoxins (Cry4B, Cry11A, CytA) and their proteolyzed products against Micrococcus luteus.
  • Inducing lysis of Micrococcus luteus protoplasts with Cry11A.
  • Assessing the impact of potassium, sodium ions, N-acetylgalactosamine, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine on Cry11A's antibacterial activity.

Main Results:

  • Cry4B, Cry11A, and CytA, along with their proteolyzed forms, exhibited antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus.
  • Cry11A was found to induce the lysis of Micrococcus luteus protoplasts.
  • Potassium and sodium ions, and N-acetylgalactosamine enhanced Cry11A's antibacterial effect.
  • Glucose and N-acetylglucosamine inhibited the antibacterial activity of Cry11A.
  • Cry11A demonstrated antibacterial effects on additional microorganisms.

Conclusions:

  • Mosquitocidal endotoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. israelensis possess broader biological activity, including antibacterial effects.
  • Cry11A exhibits potent antibacterial properties and can lyse bacterial protoplasts.
  • The antibacterial activity of Cry11A is significantly influenced by the presence of specific ions and carbohydrates, suggesting a complex mechanism of action.

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