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Comparative genomics and genotype-phenotype associations in Bifidobacterium breve
Francesca Bottacini1, Ruth Morrissey1, Maria Esteban-Torres1
1APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.
Scientific Reports
|July 15, 2018
Summary
This study used gene-trait matching to uncover new carbohydrate metabolism genes in Bifidobacterium breve. The approach also identified novel markers for antibiotic resistance and exopolysaccharide production in these gut bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Metabolic Engineering
Background:
- Bifidobacteria are key gut microbes with diverse metabolic capabilities.
- Glycosyl hydrolases enable Bifidobacteria to utilize various carbohydrates.
- Understanding these capabilities is crucial for host health and microbial ecology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore glycan degradation capabilities in Bifidobacterium breve using gene-trait matching (GTM).
- To discover novel genetic clusters associated with carbohydrate metabolism.
- To apply GTM to identify genetic markers for antibiotic resistance and exopolysaccharide production.
Main Methods:
- Performed large-scale gene-trait matching (GTM) across 20 Bifidobacterium breve strains.
- Correlated gene presence/absence with growth patterns on ~80 different substrates.
- Analyzed genomic clusters associated with specific phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Validated known carbohydrate utilization gene clusters.
- Discovered novel genetic clusters for salicin and sucrose metabolism.
- Established genetic associations for antibiotic resistance and exopolysaccharide production.
Conclusions:
- Gene-trait matching is effective for characterizing Bifidobacterium breve metabolic functions.
- The study expanded knowledge of B. breve genetic diversity and its link to phenotypes.
- Identified potential novel markers for antibiotic resistance and glycan utilization.
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