Novel Regulatory Interplay between FtsH and Spo0A∼P in Bacillus cereus 0-9 Biofilm Formation: A Potential Target for...

The biofilm formation of Bacillus cereus brings new challenges to food hygiene control. We investigated the multifunctional role of FtsH, an ATP-dependent metalloprotease, in regulating biofilm formation and environmental adaptation in B. cereus 0-9. Through homologous recombination, we generated ΔftsH and related mutants, subsequently evaluating their biofilm production using crystal violet staining, colonial morphology, and sporulation capacity, respectively. Transcriptional analysis using luminescent reporter strains revealed that biofilm-associated genes (sipW and calY) are downregulated in a FtsH-dependent manner in the mutants. Our findings demonstrate FtsH modulates Spo0E protein stability (confirmed by Western blot) and consequently influences Spo0A phosphorylation levels. Thus, FtsH as a crucial regulator of both sporulation and biofilm formation in B. cereus 0-9, mirroring its function in Bacillus subtilis while differing from Bacillus anthracis. It provides novel insights into bacterial stress response mechanisms and offers potential applications for developing biofilm eradication strategies, thereby addressing critical disinfection challenges in food processing environments.