Characterization of a novel lytic protein encoded by the Bacillus cereus E33L gene ampD as a Bacillus anthracis antimicrobial protein

Abstract

Lytic proteins encoded by bacterial genomes have been implicated in cell wall biosynthesis and recycling. The Bacillus cereus E33L ampD gene encodes a putative N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase. This gene, expressed in vitro, produced a very stable, highly active lytic protein. Very low concentrations rapidly and efficiently lyse vegetative Bacillus anthracis cells. © 2012, American Society for Microbiology.