Sporulation Strategies and Potential Role of the Exosporium in Survival and Persistence of Clostridium botulinum

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 23; no. 2; p. 754
• Main Authors: Portinha, Inês M, Douillard, François P, Korkeala, Hannu, Lindström, Miia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 11-01-2022; MDPI
• Subjects: Botulinum toxin; Botulism; Botulism - microbiology; Cell Surface Extensions - physiology; Cell Surface Extensions - ultrastructure; Clostridium botulinum; Clostridium botulinum - physiology; Clostridium botulinum - ultrastructure; exosporium; Food contamination & poisoning; Heat resistance; Microbial Viability; morphology; Paralysis; Pathogenesis; spore; Spores; Spores, Bacterial - physiology; Spores, Bacterial - ultrastructure; Sporulation; Survival; Thermal resistance; Toxins; exosporium; Clostridium botulinum; morphology; spore
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020754

produces the botulinum neurotoxin that causes botulism, a rare but potentially lethal paralysis. Endospores play an important role in the survival, transmission, and pathogenesis of
.
strains are very diverse, both genetically and ecologically. Group I strains are terrestrial, mesophilic, and produce highly heat-resistant spores, while Group II strains can be terrestrial (type B) or aquatic (type E) and are generally psychrotrophic and produce spores of moderate heat resistance. Group III strains are either terrestrial or aquatic, mesophilic or slightly thermophilic, and the heat resistance properties of their spores are poorly characterized. Here, we analyzed the sporulation dynamics in population, spore morphology, and other spore properties of 10
strains belonging to Groups I-III. We propose two distinct sporulation strategies used by
Groups I-III strains, report their spore properties, and suggest a putative role for the exosporium in conferring high heat resistance. Strains within each physiological group produced spores with similar characteristics, likely reflecting adaptation to respective environmental habitats. Our work provides new information on the spores and on the population and single-cell level strategies in the sporulation of
.