Bioinformatics and its role in the study of the evolution and probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria

Abstract

Due to their numerous well-established applications in the food industry, there have been many studies regarding the adaptation and evolution of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in a wide variety of hosts and environments. Progress in sequencing technology and continual decreases in its costs have led to the availability of LAB genome sequence data. Bioinformatics has been central to the extraction of valuable information from these raw genome sequence data. This paper presents the roles of bioinformatics tools and databases in understanding the adaptation and evolution of LAB, as well as the bioinformatics methods used in the initial screening of LAB for probiotic potential. Moreover, the advantages, challenges, and limitations of employing bioinformatics for these purposes are discussed.

Unraveling the antimicrobial potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains TE0907 and TE1809 sourced from Bufo gargarizans: advancing the frontier of probiotic-based therapeutics

“…Research shows Lactobacillus species exhibit varied genetic and physiological traits across different environments. Some, like Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus , occupy specialized niches, while Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is remarkably versatile, thriving in diverse habitats from dairy to human tracts, reflecting its ability to adapt metabolically (Valan Arasu et al, 2015 ; Berbegal et al, 2016 ; Min Hsiu et al, 2016 ; Mendoza et al, 2023 ; Rebaza-Cardenas et al, 2023 ). Moreover, Endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its safety, L. plantarum is a versatile probiotic, widely employed in fermenting diverse foods and drinks, and in medical and pharmaceutical applications (Todorov and Franco, 2010 ; Capozzi et al, 2012 ).…”

Characterization of Probiotic Properties and Whole-Genome Analysis of Lactobacillus johnsonii N5 and N7 Isolated from Swine

“…With the recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies, notably longread sequencing technologies, it has become feasible to acquire complete genome sequences of bacterial strains [16]. This capability enhances the precise and confident identification of genes associated with probiotic properties and other traits through genome mining, as well as genes linked to evolution, including those related to host adaptation [17,18]. L. johnsonii was suggested to be positively associated with the ability to resist chronic heat stress-induced diarrhea in weaned piglets, as revealed by comparative microbiome profiling analysis in our previous study [19].…”