Ultrastructure of macromolecular assemblies contributing to bacterial spore resistance revealed by in situ cryo-electron tomography

Investor logo
Investor logo

Warning

This publication doesn't include Faculty of Education. It includes Central European Institute of Technology. Official publication website can be found on muni.cz.
Authors

BAUDA Elda GALLET Benoit MORAVCOVÁ Jana EFFANTIN Gregory CHAN Helena NOVÁČEK Jiří JOUNEAU Pierre-Henri RODRIGUES Christopher D A SCHOEHN Guy MORISCOT Christine MORLOT Cecile

Year of publication 2024
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Nature Communications
MU Faculty or unit

Central European Institute of Technology

Citation
web https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45770-6
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45770-6
Keywords BACILLUS-SUBTILIS; COAT; DNA; BEAM; TRANSFORMATIONS; VISUALIZATION; MORPHOGENESIS; PROTECTION; SAFA
Description Bacterial spores owe their incredible resistance capacities to molecular structures that protect the cell content from external aggressions. Among the determinants of resistance are the quaternary structure of the chromosome and an extracellular shell made of proteinaceous layers (the coat), the assembly of which remains poorly understood. Here, in situ cryo-electron tomography on lamellae generated by cryo-focused ion beam micromachining provides insights into the ultrastructural organization of Bacillus subtilis sporangia. The reconstructed tomograms reveal that early during sporulation, the chromosome in the forespore adopts a toroidal structure harboring 5.5-nm thick fibers. At the same stage, coat proteins at the surface of the forespore form a stack of amorphous or structured layers with distinct electron density, dimensions and organization. By analyzing mutant strains using cryo-electron tomography and transmission electron microscopy on resin sections, we distinguish seven nascent coat regions with different molecular properties, and propose a model for the contribution of coat morphogenetic proteins.
Related projects:

You are running an old browser version. We recommend updating your browser to its latest version.

By clicking “Accept Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Settings

Necessary Only Accept Cookies