Transcriptional Responses of Bacillus cereus towards Challenges with the Polysaccharide Chitosan
2011

How Bacillus cereus Responds to Chitosan

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mellegård Hilde, Kovács Ákos T., Lindbäck Toril, Christensen Bjørn E., Kuipers Oscar P., Granum Per E.

Primary Institution: Norwegian School of Veterinary Science

Hypothesis

What are the transcriptional responses of Bacillus cereus when exposed to chitosan?

Conclusion

Bacillus cereus shows significant changes in gene expression related to potassium transport when treated with chitosan.

Supporting Evidence

  • Bacillus cereus altered the expression of 104 genes when exposed to chitosan A.
  • Exposure to chitosan B resulted in the alteration of 55 genes in Bacillus cereus.
  • Genes involved in potassium transport were significantly upregulated upon chitosan treatment.
  • Chitosan treatment did not increase susceptibility in a mutant strain lacking the Kdp system.

Takeaway

When Bacillus cereus is treated with chitosan, it changes how it uses potassium, which is important for its survival.

Methodology

DNA microarray analysis was performed to assess gene expression changes in Bacillus cereus exposed to chitosan.

Limitations

The study may not account for all potential potassium transport systems in Bacillus cereus.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p≤1.0×10−4

Statistical Significance

p≤1.0×10−4

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024304

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