An alkaline protease from Bacillus cereus NJSZ-13 can act as a pathogenicity factor in infection of pinewood nematode

BMC Microbiol. 2023 Jan 10;23(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s12866-022-02752-2.

Abstract

Endophytic bacteria are an important biological control for nematodes. We isolated the nematicidal Bacillus cereus NJSZ-13 from healthy Pinus elliottii trunks. Bioassay experiments showed killing of all tested nematodes by proteins from the NJSZ-13 culture filtrate within 72 h. Degradation of the nematode cuticles was observed, suggesting the action of extracellular bacterial enzymes. The responsible protease was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, and SDS-PAGE. The protease had a molecular weight of 28 kDa and optimal activity at 55 °C and pH 9, indicating an alkaline protease. The study suggests the potential for using this B. cereus NJSZ-13 strain protease to prevent pinewood nematode infection.

Keywords: Bacillus cereus; Bursaphelenchus xylophilus; Endophytic bacteria; Extracellular protease; Nematicidal activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacillus cereus / metabolism
  • Nematoda* / microbiology
  • Peptide Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Pinus*
  • Virulence Factors

Substances

  • alkaline protease
  • Virulence Factors
  • Peptide Hydrolases