Abstract: Antibiotics are pivotal for treating Staphylococcus aureus infections, but overuse has led to multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, necessitating alternative strategies. Targeting virulence factors, rather than bacterial survival, offers a promising approach to combat resistance. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of native, non-insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) parasporal crystal proteins (PCPs), in protoxin (PT) and trypsin-activated (AT) forms, on S. aureus virulence gene expression and biofilm formation. Fourteen Bt PCPs were isolated and prepared as PT and AT forms. Their impact was assessed using LacZ promoter fusion assays for hla (alpha-hemolysin), spa (protein A), and RNAIII (a key virulence regulator), supplemented by quantitative β-galactosidase assays. Biofilm formation was quantified and normalized to planktonic growth (Normalized Biofilm Index, NBI) to distinguish specific antibiofilm activity from growth inhibition. AT-PCPs from Bt strains M11, M78, M91, M154t1, and A11 significantly downregulated hla, spa, and RNAIII expression (log₂ fold changes up to –4.88, p < 0.001) and reduced biofilm formation (NBI reduction up to 57%, p < 0.001). AT proteins exhibited no hemolytic activity and had MIC values >100 μg/mL, confirming antivirulence effects at sub-inhibitory concentrations. PCR screening revealed the absence of cyt1 genes in four of five active isolates, supporting Cry-mediated targeting. These in vitro findings suggest that trypsin-activated PCPs can disrupt critical virulence pathways in S. aureus. Trypsin-activated Bt PCPs attenuate virulence and biofilm formation in S. aureus in vitro, highlighting their potential as leads for novel antivirulence strategies. These proteins show potential as candidates for standalone or adjuvant strategies alongside conventional antibiotics in the fight against MDR infections, pending further validation. Further research is needed to elucidate their mechanisms, assess their efficacy in vivo, and evaluate enzymatic activation by host-derived proteases. These in vitro results highlight the potential of Bt-derived PCPs as novel virulence-targeting leads, though further research is needed to identify the active component(s), elucidate mechanisms, and evaluate efficacy in vivo.
Browsing tag: Bacillus thuringiensis
Abstract: Parasporins (PSs), also known as delta endotoxins or Mammalian Pore-forming Proteins (Mpp), are non-hemolytic, non-insecticidal proteins secreted by Bacillus thuringiensis. They exhibit selective anticancer activities against various human tumor cell lines by recognizing and binding to specific cell membrane receptors. Currently, six PS families (PS1–PS6) have been identified in at least 11 B. thuringiensis strains. While distinct mechanisms have been proposed for some families (e.g., pore-formation by PS2, apoptosis induction by PS1), the precise molecular pathways for all families are not yet fully elucidated, and mechanistic overlap may exist. Through the exploration of established mechanisms-of-action (MOA) involving pore-forming proteins, significant alterations have been revealed, specifically in the permeability of the plasma membrane of their target cells, potentially culminating in cell death. The in vivo antitumor activity of PS proteins in animal models, such as mice and rats, remains relatively unexplored. This review aims to summarize the MOA of PS protein families produced by B. thuringiensis, evaluate research gaps in therapeutic development, in vivo efficacy, and the challenges of targeted delivery. Future perspectives and directions for harnessing these proteins as potential natural alternatives for cancer treatment are also highlighted.
Streszczenie: Owadobójcze właściwości Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprawiają, że jest to cenny gatunek bakterii dla rozwoju rolnictwa. Produkowane przez Bt białka Cry i Cyt działają w sposób selektywny, dlatego ich stosowanie prowadzi do wyeliminowania tylko larw owadów docelowych. Znane są również inne substancje produkowane przez bakterie Bt, które mogą się przyczynić do eliminacji agrofagów i promowania wzrostu roślin. Ponadto podejmowane są próby stosowania szczepów B. thuringiensis w procesie bioremediacji terenów skażonych toksycznymi związkami organicznymi oraz w medycynie, w zwalczaniu patogenów ludzkich i zwierzęcych oraz komórek nowotworowych.
1. Wprowadzenie. 2. Charakterystyka gatunku Bacillus thuringiensis. 3. Czynniki wirulencji Bacillus thuringiensis. 4. Wykorzystanie Bacillus thuringiensis w nowoczesnym rolnictwie 5. Nowe możliwości wykorzystania bakterii Bacillus thuringiensis. 6. Podsumowanie
Abstract: One of essential bacteria used in modern agriculture, in particular because of its ability to eradicate insects, is Bacillus thuringiensis. Cry and Cyt proteins produced by Bt are selective, therefore using those proteins eliminates only larvae of target insects. There are various other known substances produced by Bt bacteria, that may help with further elimination of pests and promoting plant growth. Furthermore, there are attempts being made to use Bt strains in bioremediation of contaminated sites as well as in medicine, especially in combating human and animal pathogens, or cancer cells.
1. Introduction. 2. Characteristics of Bacillus thuringiensis. 3. Virulence factors of Bacillus thuringiensis. 4. Applications of Bacillus thuringiensis in modern agriculture 5. Novel possible applications of Bacillus thuringiensis. 6. Conclusions

