Abstract: The disclosure relates to genetically modified microorganisms, for example of the Genus Paenibacillus, for the improvement of phenotypes of plants, for example nitrogen availability for plants. Included are novel strains of the microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important species, for example nitrogen fixation, utilization, regulation, uptake, acquisition, tolerance, and/or processing in plants.

Abstract: Signal sequences useful for targeting proteins and peptides to the surface of endospores produced by multiple bacterial genera (e.g., Brevibacillus, Lysinibacillus, Viridibacillus, and/or Paenibacillus family members) and methods of using the same are provided. The display of heterologous molecules, such as peptides, polypeptides and other recombinant constructs, on the exosporium of Brevibacillus, Lysinibacillus, Viridibacillus, and/or Paenibacillus family members, using particular N-terminal targeting sequences and derivatives of the same, and likewise are provided.

Abstract: Signal sequences useful for targeting proteins and peptides to the surface of endospores produced by Paenibacillus family members and methods of using the same are provided. The display of heterologous molecules, such as peptides, polypeptides and other recombinant constructs, on the spore surface of Paenibacillus family members, using particular N-terminal targeting sequences and derivatives of the same, and likewise are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attenuated Acinetobacter baumannii comprising an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding the ABUW_1645 protein or a variant thereof. Disclosed herein are methods of treating or preventing colonization, infection, or disease by an Acinetobacter baumannii microbe, the method comprising administering a clinically effective dose of the attenuated Acinetobacter baumannii to a subject in need thereof, wherein the attenuated Acinetobacter baumannii comprises an expression vector expressing the ABUW_1645 protein or variants thereof.

Abstract: Signal sequences useful for targeting proteins and peptides to the surface of endospores produced by Brevibacillus, Lysinibacillus, or Viridibacillus family members and methods of using the same are provided. The display of heterologous molecules, such as peptides, polypeptides and other recombinant constructs, on the exosporium of Brevibacillus, Lysinibacillus, or Viridibacillus family members, using particular N-terminal targeting sequences and derivatives of the same, and likewise are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attenuated Acinetobacter baumannii comprising an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding the ABUW_1645 protein or a variant thereof. Disclosed herein are methods of treating or preventing colonization, infection, or disease by an Acinetobacter baumannii microbe, the method comprising administering a clinically effective dose of the attenuated Acinetobacter baumannii to a subject in need thereof, wherein the attenuated Acinetobacter baumannii comprises an expression vector expressing the ABUW_1645 protein or variants thereof.