[Spo0A-mediated molecular regulatory mechanisms of sporulation and their applications]

Spores are specialized dormant structures formed by bacteria of the order Bacillales under adverse conditions such as nutrient deprivation, exhibiting extremely strong resistance to environmental stresses. Investigating the regulatory mechanisms of sporulation is of great significance for advancing theoretical understanding in biology and guiding practical applications. Sporulation relies on the coordinated action of environmental signals and intracellular signaling pathways. When external stimuli initiate a kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation cascade, the transcription factor Spo0A is activated, subsequently triggering a sigma factor cascade regulatory system, ultimately initiating the sporulation program. Spo0A is the central hub governing sporulation, and its dynamic phosphorylation state persists throughout the entire sporulation process and orchestrates the sporulation pathway at transcriptional, translational, and post-translational levels. This review systematically elucidates the key environmental inducers of sporulation, the Spo0A-mediated regulatory network, and its multi-level molecular regulatory mechanisms, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for designing Spo0A pathway-based spore application strategies.