Characterization of the germination of Bacillus megaterium spores lacking enzymes that degrade the spore cortex

Aims:  To determine roles of cortex lytic enzymes (CLEs) in Bacillus megaterium spore germination. Methods and Results:  Genes for B. megaterium CLEs CwlJ and SleB were inactivated and effects of loss of one or both on germination were assessed. Loss of CwlJ or SleB did not prevent completion of germination with agents that activate the spore’s germinant receptors, but loss of CwlJ slowed the release of dipicolinic acid (DPA). Loss of both CLEs also did not prevent release of DPA and glutamate during germination with KBr. However, cwlJ sleB spores had decreased viability, and could not complete germination. Loss of CwlJ eliminated spore germination with Ca2+ chelated to DPA (Ca-DPA), but loss of CwlJ and SleB did not affect DPA release in dodecylamine germination. Conclusions:  CwlJ and SleB play redundant roles in cortex degradation during B. megaterium spore germination, and CwlJ accelerates DPA release and is essential for Ca-DPA germination. The roles of these CLEs are similar in germination of B. megaterium and Bacillus subtilis spores. Significance and Impact of the Study:  These results indicate that redundant roles of CwlJ and SleB in cortex degradation during germination are similar in spores of Bacillus species; consequently, inhibition of these enzymes will prevent germination of Bacillus spores.