BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to mine the Lactobacillus helveticus MTCC 5463 genome for genetic determinants to validate its ability to adapt to gut transit stresses and translate functionality to the host. RESULTS: In silico analysis of the 1 911 350 bp single chromosome of the strain predicted that it had excellent adaptive features like the multisubunit F0F1 ATPase, conjugated bile salt hyrolase, chaperones like hsp33, HtrA, GroEL, GroES, dnaK, grpE, starvation-inducible proteins and heavy-metal transporting ATPases. The genome revealed genes for adhesion and aggregation including exopolysaccharides, capsular polysaccharides sortase, elongation factor Tu, aggregation promoting proteins, fibronectin-binding proteins, S-layer and mucus-binding proteins. We could identify genes conferring physiological benefits like immunostimulation, cholesterol reduction, antibacterial and folate production. Thus, through trait and gene matching, the study established that the strain possessed the genetic arsenal required to adapt to the gut milieu. The predictions of functional genes further validate the experimental evidences of adaptation and probiosis. CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into the feasibility of applying probiogenomics to identify genes that could function as pre-selection criteria for identification of potential probiotic strains.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to mine the Lactobacillus helveticus MTCC 5463 genome for genetic determinants to validate its ability to adapt to gut transit stresses and translate functionality to the host. RESULTS: In silico analysis of the 1 911 350 bp single chromosome of the strain predicted that it had excellent adaptive features like the multisubunit F0F1 ATPase, conjugated bile salt hyrolase, chaperones like hsp33, HtrA, GroEL, GroES, dnaK, grpE, starvation-inducible proteins and heavy-metal transporting ATPases. The genome revealed genes for adhesion and aggregation including exopolysaccharides, capsular polysaccharides sortase, elongation factor Tu, aggregation promoting proteins, fibronectin-binding proteins, S-layer and mucus-binding proteins. We could identify genes conferring physiological benefits like immunostimulation, cholesterol reduction, antibacterial and folate production. Thus, through trait and gene matching, the study established that the strain possessed the genetic arsenal required to adapt to the gut milieu. The predictions of functional genes further validate the experimental evidences of adaptation and probiosis. CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into the feasibility of applying probiogenomics to identify genes that could function as pre-selection criteria for identification of potential probiotic strains.