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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
04:40
The Cultivation, Growth, and Viability of Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Quality Control Perspective
Published on: June 16, 2022
Comparative genomics of the lactic acid bacteria
K Makarova1, A Slesarev, Y Wolf
1National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
Summary
Nine new genome sequences reveal the diversity of lactic acid bacteria, crucial for fermented foods. Their genomes show adaptations for nutrient uptake and biosynthesis, shaped by gene loss and horizontal gene transfer.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Food Science
Background:
- Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are vital in food fermentation and inhabit diverse ecological niches.
- Understanding their genetic makeup is key to their industrial and ecological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the phylogenetic and functional diversity of LAB through genome sequencing.
- To investigate the genomic adaptations of LAB related to nutrient acquisition and biosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of nine LAB genomes.
- Phylogenetic analysis of LAB genomes.
- Comparative genomics to assess gene content and ancestral gene sets.
Main Results:
- Genome analysis revealed LAB possess extensive transporter repertoires for nutrient acquisition.
- LAB genomes indicate a mix of prototrophic and auxotrophic strains with limited biosynthetic capabilities.
- Phylogenetic and gene content analyses suggest significant gene loss and horizontal gene transfer shaped LAB evolution.
Conclusions:
- The genomes of LAB reflect adaptations to nutrient-rich environments and a dynamic evolutionary history.
- Gene loss and horizontal gene transfer are key mechanisms in the coevolution of LAB with their habitats.
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