Rapid production of tetrodotoxin-like compounds during sporulation in a marine isolate Bacillus sp. 1839

Abstract

The marine Bacillus sp. strain 1839 produces tetrodotoxin-like (TTX-like) compounds during sporulation. In this study, the environmental signals that regulate spore formation and the synthesis of TTX-like substances were examined. The main sporulation trigger for Bacillus sp. 1839 was changes in environmental osmolality. Confocal laser scanning (CLSM) and transmission electron microscopy with anti-TTX anti-bodies were used to locate TTX-like compounds in a sporulated culture of Bacillus sp. 1839. Based on CLSM studies, the toxin was synthesized within a few minutes after the induction of sporulation, and the fluorescence signal reached the maximum intensity in 60 min. Immunoelectron microscopy enabled the detection of TTX-positive structures in spores with unformed cores. The results obtained in this study provide an important basis for the development of biotechnological production methods for the highly effective anesthetic drug.