Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 255-262 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 255 Feature Review Open Access Mechanisms of Stress Resistance and Sporulation inBacillus subtilis Xing Zhao, Minsheng Lin Tropical Microbial Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: minsheng.lin@hitar.org Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol.15, No.5 doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0025 Received: 20 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 30 Sep., 2024 Published: 16 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhao and Lin, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhao X., and Lin M.S., 2024, Mechanisms of stress resistance and sporulation in Bacillus subtilis, Molecular Pathogens, 15(5): 255-262 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0025) Abstract This study provides a detailed discussion of the genetic and molecular regulation of sporulation, with a particular focus on the role of phosphorelay systems, Spo0A, and sigma factors in controlling developmental stages such as asymmetric cell division, engulfment, and spore coat formation. It also analyzes the integration of stress signals with sporulation pathways, the role of small RNAs in stress-induced sporulation, and the adaptive advantages of sporulation under extreme conditions. Additionally, the study summarizes the genetic basis of stress resistance in Bacillus subtilis and highlights the enhancement of its stress resistance through genetic engineering, particularly in the fields of industrial fermentation and agriculture. Case studies reveal significant differences in stress resistance and sporulation efficiency between industrial strains and soil and marine isolates, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of this bacterium. The study proposes industrial application strategies aimed at improving sporulation efficiency, with the goal of promoting the broader use of Bacillus subtilis in future biotechnological and agricultural applications. Keywords Bacillus subtilis; Sporulation; Stress resistance; Phosphorelay system; Genetic engineering 1 Introduction Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that has been extensively studied as a model organism for bacterial cell biology, genetics, and physiology. Its ability to form endospores, a highly resistant and dormant cell type, makes it an ideal system for studying bacterial development and stress responses. The wealth of genetic tools and resources available for B. subtilis, including the comprehensive database SubtiWiki, has facilitated numerous discoveries in bacterial gene regulation, protein interactions, and metabolic pathways (Pedreira et al., 2021). The ability of B. subtilis to withstand harsh environmental conditions through stress resistance mechanisms and sporulation is crucial for its survival. Sporulation involves a complex developmental process that results in the formation of a highly resistant endospore, allowing the bacterium to persist in unfavorable conditions. This process is tightly regulated and involves significant architectural transformations within the cell (Ramos-Silva et al., 2019; Khanna et al., 2020). Stress resistance, mediated by alternative sigma factors such as SigB, enables B. subtilis to rapidly adapt to environmental and metabolic challenges, ensuring its fitness and survival (Ayala et al., 2020). These adaptive mechanisms are not only vital for the bacterium's natural lifecycle but also have significant implications for biotechnology. B. subtilis is widely used in industrial applications, including enzyme production and biological control, due to its Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status and its ability to form spores, which can be advantageous for the stability and delivery of biotechnological products (Lu et al., 2015; Bucher et al., 2019). This study will provide a comprehensive overview of the potential mechanisms underlying stress resistance and sporulation in Bacillus subtilis, exploring the genetic and molecular pathways involved in these processes. It will focus on recent advancements and key experimental findings. By investigating the interaction between stress response and sporulation, we aim to elucidate how Bacillus subtilis coordinates these adaptive strategies to enhance its survival and ecological success. Furthermore, the biotechnological applications of these mechanisms will be discussed in depth, highlighting their potential for improving industrial processes and developing new bio-products.
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