Whole-Genome Sequencing of Lactobacillus helveticus D75 and D76 Confirms Safety and Probiotic Potential

Abstract

Whole-genome DNA sequencing of Lactobacillus D75 and D76 strains (Vitaflor, Russia) was determined using the PacBio RS II platform, which was followed by de novo assembly with SMRT Portal 2.3.0. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) test showed that both strains belong to the Lactobacillus helveticus, but not to the L. acidophilus, as previously assumed. In addition, 31 exopolysaccharide (EPS) production genes (nine of which form a single genetic cluster), 13 adhesion genes, 38 milk protein and 11 milk sugar utilization genes, 13 genes for and against specific antagonistic activity, eight antibiotic resistance genes, and also three CRISPR blocks and eight Cas I-B system genes were identified in the genomes of both strains. The expression of bacteriocin helveticin J genes was confirmed. In fact, the presence of identified genes suggests that L. helveticus D75 and D76 are able to form biofilms on the outer mucin layer, inhibit the growth of pathogens and pathobionts, utilize milk substrates with the formation of digestible milk sugars and bioactive peptides, resist bacteriophages, show some genome-determined resistance to antibiotics, and stimulate the host’s immune system. Pathogenicity genes have not been identified. The study results confirm the safety and high probiotic potential of the strains.

Complete genome sequence and probiotic properties of Lactococcus petauri LZys1 isolated from healthy human gut

“…A study indicated that L. helveticus D75 and D76 are capable of producing the bacteriocin, which could destroy the membrane potential of target cells [47]. In our study, four genes existed to code bacteriocin.…”

Probiotic and Antifungal Attributes of Levilactobacillus brevis MYSN105, Isolated From an Indian Traditional Fermented Food Pozha

“…L. brevis MYSN105 was comprehensively studied for potential probiotic traits using whole-genome sequence analysis, which enabled identifying genes linked to safety and antimicrobial properties. Several studies have reported Lactobacillus species consisting of genes related to their stress resistance, antimicrobial properties, and other functional mechanisms ( Chen et al, 2019 ; Toropov et al, 2020 ). The genomic finding suggests that understanding the functional and genetic characteristics could provide new insights into applications in gut health and animal feed additives ( Heo et al, 2018 ).…”

The potential of lactic acid bacteria in mediating the control of plant diseases and plant growth stimulation in crop production - A mini review

“…The first complete LAB genome sequence was published in 2001 for the species Lactococcus lactis IL1403 (Bolotin GenBank (Yanwei et al, 2022) enabling for a comprehensive understanding of the industrial application and metabolic characteristics of LAB. Whole genome information can reflect the safety of LAB strains by assessing genes related to drug resistance, virulence, and pathogenicity and determining whether the related genes can be transmitted horizontally (Rodrıǵuez-Serrano et al, 2018;Toropov et al, 2020;Zhou et al, 2021). Furthermore, the genomescale metabolic model (GSMM) can be reconstructed from wholegenome data to simulate and anticipate how bacteria will behave in each environment and to systematically direct metabolic engineering efforts.…”

“…For example, Linares-Morales et al ( 2020) reported encouraging results of E. faecium against post-harvest pathogens, however, further evaluation of the strains' safety is necessary as some of the Enterococcus strains can potentially carry harmful genes (Venegas-Ortega et al, 2020). The increased efficiency of genome analysis over the past decade allows screening on the safety of LAB strains by assessing genes related to drug resistance, virulence, and pathogenicity and determining whether the related genes can be transmitted horizontally (Rodrıǵuez-Serrano et al, 2018;Toropov et al, 2020;Zhou et al, 2021).…”