Identification and Characterization of the gerH Operon of Bacillus anthracis Endospores: a Differential Role for Purine Nucleosides in Germination

We identified a tri-cistronic operon, gerH, in Bacillus anthracis that is important for endospore germination triggered by two distinct germination response pathways termed inosine-His and purine-Ala. Together, the two pathways allow B. anthracis endospores a broader recognition of purines and amino acids that may be important for host-mediated germination.