Characterization of a Novel Lytic Protein Encoded by the Bacillus cereus E33L Gene ampD as a Bacillus anthracis Antimicrobial Protein

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.