Ribosomal background of the Bacillus cereus group thermotypes

Sci Rep. 2017 Apr 13:7:46430. doi: 10.1038/srep46430.

Abstract

In this study we reconstructed the architecture of Bacillus cereus sensu lato population based on ribosomal proteins, and identified a link between the ribosomal proteins' variants and thermal groups (thermotypes) of the bacilli. The in silico phyloproteomic analysis of 55 ribosomal proteins (34 large and 21 small subunit r-proteins) of 421 strains, representing 14 well-established or plausible B. cereus sensu lato species, revealed several ribosomal clusters (r-clusters), which in general were well correlated with the strains' affiliation to phylogenetic/thermal groups I-VII. However, a conformity and possibly a thermal characteristic of certain phylogenetic groups, e.g. the group IV, were not supported by a distribution of the corresponding r-clusters, and consequently neither by the analysis of cold-shock proteins (CSPs) nor by a content of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Furthermore, a preference for isoleucine and serine over valine and alanine in r-proteins along with a lack of HSP16.4 were recognized in non-mesophilic thermotypes. In conclusion, we suggest that the observed divergence in ribosomal proteins may be connected with an adaptation of B. cereus sensu lato members to various thermal niches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Bacillus cereus / classification*
  • Bacillus cereus / genetics
  • Bacillus cereus / metabolism
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Computer Simulation
  • Genetic Variation
  • Phylogeny
  • Proteomics / methods*
  • Ribosomal Proteins / genetics*
  • Ribosomal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Ribosomes / genetics
  • Ribosomes / metabolism

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Ribosomal Proteins