Antimutagenicity of propionic acid bacteria

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Mutagenicity poses risks to DNA integrity.
• Propionic acid bacteria are known for various bioactive compounds.
• The Ames test is a standard assay for detecting mutagenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antimutagenic potential of propionic acid bacteria cell extracts.
• To identify bacterial strains exhibiting antimutagenic activity against specific mutagens.
• To characterize the nature of the antimutagenic substances.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA1535, TA97).
• Tested dialysed cell extracts from four propionic acid bacteria strains against sodium azide, MNNG, and 9-aminoacridine.
• Separated active protein fractions using Toyopearl gel chromatography.

Main Results:

• Dialysates from two Propionibacterium shermanii strains, P. pentosaceum, and P. acnes demonstrated significant reduction of sodium azide-induced mutations.
• Antimutagenic activity was confirmed against MNNG and 9-aminoacridine using P. shermanii VKM-103.
• Active compounds were localized within the protein fraction, with antimutagenic activity found in molecular weight fractions corresponding to the second and third peaks.

Conclusions:

• Dialysed cell extracts of certain propionic acid bacteria possess significant antimutagenic properties.
• The antimutagenic activity is associated with protein components of varying molecular weights.
• These findings suggest propionic acid bacteria as a source of natural antimutagens for potential applications.