FUSION PROTEINS, RECOMBINANT BACTERIA AND METHODS OF USE OF RECOMBINANT BACTERIA

Claims

Fusion proteins containing a targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or a fragment of an exosporium protein that directs the fusion protein to the exospore of a member of the Bacillus cereus family are provided. Also provided are recombinant members of the Bacillus cereus family expressing these fusion proteins; genetically inactivated members of the Bacillus cereus family; and recombinant members of the Bacillus cereus family overexpressing exosporium proteins. Seeds coated with the recombinant members of the Bacillus cereus family and methods for using the recombinant members of the Bacillus cereus family (e.g., to stimulate plant growth) are also provided. Various modifications of the recombinant members of the Bacillus cereus family expressing the fusion proteins are also provided.In addition, fusion proteins comprising a spore coat protein and a protein or peptide of interest, recombinant bacteria expressing said fusion proteins, seeds coated with said recombinant bacteria, and methods for using said recombinant bacteria (e.g., to stimulate plant growth).