Structural and functional analysis of the <i>Bacillus cereus</i> GerI inosine-responsive spore germinant receptor

Many bacteria in the order <i>Bacillota</i> form spores that survive antibacterial treatments, including antibiotics. However, once these spores germinate and return to growth, they become vulnerable to antibiotics and other treatments. Notably, growing cells of some of these species cause food spoilage or serious diseases. Thus, there is much interest in spore germination, as stimulating this process would allow for easy spore eradication. This study has investigated precisely how spores' germinant receptors (GRs) recognize and respond to triggers of spore germination, such as inosine and L-alanine. Using a combination of structural biology, computational modeling, and functional assays with targeted GR mutations, our work uncovered new insights into GR function and the initiation of germination. These findings not only advance our understanding of a critical biological process but also provide new directions for spore control strategies.