Mechanisms underlying glucose-induced increase in β-glucosidase activity in <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> strains 168 and Miyagino and sugar-independent activation by soybean broth medium

This study investigated the mechanisms of glucose-induced β-glucosidase (Bgl) activation in Bacillus subtilis strains 168 and Miyagino. Distinct Bgl-related genes were upregulated by glucose in the two strains. These increases were suppressed in the ΔpfkA and ΔfbaA mutants, but not Δpyk, mutant, suggesting the involvement of upper glycolytic flux changes. Additionally, we found that soybean broth medium may contain non-sugar Bgl-activating factors.