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Updated: Dec 31, 2025
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Transformation of Probiotic Yeast and Their Recovery from Gastrointestinal Immune Tissues Following Oral Gavage in Mice
Published on: February 8, 2016
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Yeasts as probiotics: Mechanisms, outcomes, and future potential
Swastik Sen1, Thomas J Mansell2
1Interdepartmental Graduate Microbiology Program, Iowa State University, 4122A, BRL, 617 Bissel Rd, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|January 11, 2020
Summary
Saccharomyces boulardii is a well-studied probiotic yeast with potential therapeutic benefits for gastrointestinal issues. Genome engineering tools are emerging to further enhance its probiotic properties for improved host benefit.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Commensal fungi in the human gut suggest potential host benefits from this kingdom.
- Saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast strain, is the most characterized probiotic yeast.
- It exhibits superior acid and heat tolerance compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suiting the gut environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the probiotic effects of Saccharomyces boulardii.
- To summarize the current state of genome engineering tools for S. boulardii.
- To explore potential enhancements of its probiotic properties through genetic modification.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on Saccharomyces boulardii.
- Analysis of studies on its therapeutic effects in animal models and human clinical trials.
- Assessment of available and applicable genome engineering tools for yeast.
Main Results:
- Saccharomyces boulardii shows potential in alleviating gastrointestinal tract infection symptoms.
- Further clinical trials are necessary to fully elucidate its therapeutic capacity.
- Genome modification tools for S. boulardii are becoming available, with some transferable from S. cerevisiae.
Conclusions:
- Saccharomyces boulardii is a promising biotherapeutic agent for human gastrointestinal health.
- Advancements in genome engineering offer a pathway to improve its probiotic functions.
- Continued research is essential to optimize and expand the therapeutic applications of this yeast.
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