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Major proteins released by a protein-producing bacterium, Bacillus brevis 47, are derived from cell wall protein

Journal of Biochemistry
|October 1, 1983
PubMed

Insights

Bacillus brevis 47 secretes major extracellular proteins (130K and 150K) originating from its cell wall. These proteins are released without modification to their amino-terminal sequences.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Protein Biochemistry

Background:

  • Bacillus brevis 47 is known to secrete significant quantities of extracellular proteins.
  • Understanding the origin and nature of these secreted proteins is crucial for characterizing bacterial physiology and potential applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize the major extracellular proteins secreted by Bacillus brevis 47.
  • To determine the relationship between the extracellular proteins and the bacterial cell wall components.

Main Methods:

  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to assess molecular weights and purity.
  • Amino acid composition analysis to compare protein structures.
  • Limited proteolysis followed by electrophoresis to analyze protein fragments.
  • Antisera cross-reactivity tests to assess protein homology.
  • NH2-terminal amino acid sequencing to detect modifications.

Main Results:

  • Two major extracellular proteins with molecular weights of approximately 130,000 (130K) and 150,000 (150K) were identified.
  • These extracellular proteins were indistinguishable from cell wall proteins via SDS-PAGE.
  • Analysis of amino acid composition, proteolytic digestion patterns, and antibody cross-reactivity indicated that the extracellular proteins are derived from cell wall proteins.
  • NH2-terminal sequencing revealed no modification of the amino-terminal portion during release.

Conclusions:

  • The major extracellular proteins secreted by Bacillus brevis 47 are derived from its cell wall.
  • The release mechanism involves the shedding of cell wall proteins without N-terminal modification.

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