Genetic Characteristics Associated with Probiotic Functions in Four Indonesian Skin Microbiome-Derived Bacterial...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genomics
• Dermatology

Background:

• The human skin microbiome is a promising source for novel probiotics.
• Ensuring the safety of probiotic strains, particularly their Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status, is a critical challenge.
• Bioinformatic and in vitro analyses are essential for evaluating probiotic candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To bioinformatically analyze the genomes of four human skin-derived bacterial strains for probiotic traits and safety markers.
• To assess antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, and toxic metabolite genes.
• To complement genomic data with in vitro assays for a comprehensive safety evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing and annotation of four bacterial strains: Bacillus subtilis MBF10-19J, Micrococcus luteus MBF05-19J, Staphylococcus hominis MBF12-19J, and Staphylococcus warneri MBF02-19J.
• Bioinformatic analysis to identify genes related to probiotic functions (e.g., adhesins, metabolism) and safety concerns (e.g., antibiotic resistance, virulence factors).
• In vitro assays including antibiotic susceptibility testing and antimicrobial activity assays.

Main Results:

• All analyzed strains possess adhesin-encoding genes, crucial for probiotic colonization.
• Staphylococcus hominis MBF12-19J and Staphylococcus warneri MBF02-19J contain genes for potential metabolism improvement.
• Bacillus subtilis MBF10-19J showed amoxicillin resistance, necessitating careful evaluation, while Staphylococcus hominis MBF12-19J had the most favorable antibiotic resistance profile.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a genomic and in vitro safety assessment of four skin-derived bacterial strains for probiotic applications.
• Strain-specific safety profiles were identified, highlighting the need for cautious application and further investigation.
• In vivo validation is essential to confirm the GRAS status and suitability of these potential probiotics.