Prevention of gastrointestinal lead poisoning using recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing human metallothionein-I

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Xue Xiao1, Changbin Zhang1,2, Dajun Liu1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China.

Scientific Reports
|April 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study developed a genetically engineered bacterium, Lactococcus lactis expressing GST-SUMO-MT, to prevent lead poisoning. Oral administration of this probiotic effectively reduced lead absorption and toxicity in rats, offering a novel gastrointestinal prevention strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Low-level lead poisoning is a global health issue affecting millions of children, causing biochemical and neurological damage.
  • Preventing lead absorption through the gastrointestinal tract is a key strategy for mitigating lead poisoning.
  • A novel biomaterial is needed to effectively block lead uptake in the digestive system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To construct a recombinant Lactococcus lactis strain expressing a fusion protein for lead binding.
  • To evaluate the lead-binding capacity and thermodynamic properties of the fusion protein.
  • To assess the efficacy of the engineered strain in preventing lead poisoning in a rat model.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of recombinant Lactococcus lactis pGSMT/MG1363 expressing glutathione S-transferase (GST)-small molecule ubiquitin-like modifier protein (SUMO)-metallothionein-I (GST-SUMO-MT).
  • Thermodynamic analysis of lead binding to GST-SUMO-MT.
  • Determination of the lead-binding capacity of the engineered bacterial strain.
  • Oral administration of the engineered strain to rats treated with lead acetate, followed by analysis of blood lead levels, liver function, and serum testosterone.

Main Results:

  • The fusion protein GST-SUMO-MT demonstrated a high affinity for lead, with an average binding of 3.655 lead molecules per protein.
  • The engineered strain pGSMT/MG1363 exhibited a significant lead-binding capacity of 4.11 ± 0.15 mg/g dry mass.
  • Oral administration of pGSMT/MG1363 inhibited lead-induced increases in blood lead levels, hepatic dysfunction, and decreased testosterone concentrations in rats.
  • No adverse effects on essential mineral ion concentrations (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium) were observed.

Conclusions:

  • The recombinant Lactococcus lactis strain pGSMT/MG1363 is a promising biomaterial for preventing lead poisoning.
  • This engineered probiotic effectively blocks lead absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • The study presents a convenient, economical, and safe approach for lead poisoning prevention.

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