Surface layer protein from Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM inhibit intestinal pathogen-induced apoptosis in HT-29

Jun Meng1, Qiu-Xiang Zhang2, Rong-Rong Lu2

  • 1School of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.

Insights

Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM surface layer protein (SLP) protects intestinal cells from pathogen-induced apoptosis. This probiotic protein inhibits cell death via a mitochondria-dependent pathway, offering potential for treating gut infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Intestinal pathogens can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in epithelial cells.
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM is a probiotic bacterium with potential health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM surface layer protein (SLP) on Escherichia coli and Salmonella-induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells.
  • To elucidate the mechanism underlying SLP's protective effects.

Main Methods:

  • Fluorescent microscopy to observe chromatin condensation.
  • Flow cytometry to quantify apoptosis.
  • Measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular calcium levels.
  • Assay of caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation.

Main Results:

  • SLP alleviated pathogen-induced chromatin condensation.
  • SLP significantly reduced apoptosis induced by E. coli (46%) and Salmonella (48%).
  • SLP inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential reduction and calcium influx.
  • SLP decreased the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3.

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM SLP protects HT-29 cells from intestinal pathogen-induced apoptosis.
  • The protective mechanism involves the mitochondria-mediated pathway.
  • SLP shows potential for treating intestinal infections and applications in food, biological, and pharmaceutical industries.

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