Complete genome sequence of Leuconostoc lactis B34-1-7-1 isolated from Panax ginseng in South Korea

Leuconostoc lactis is a heterofermentative lactic acid bacterium widely used as a starter culture in fermented foods. The L. lactis B34-1-7-1 strain, isolated from Panax ginseng sprouts cultivated under white LED light, has demonstrated promising probiotic potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities, in previous studies. The genome of L. lactis B34-1-7-1 was sequenced and analyzed to evaluate its probiotic potential and safety for industrial applications, focusing on its genomic features and functional characteristics.

The genome of L. lactis B34-1-7-1 was sequenced using a hybrid Illumina-PacBio approach. The complete genome is composed of a circular chromosome (1,648,351 bp) and a plasmid (12,481 bp), with an overall guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 43.6%. The genome encodes 1,661 coding sequences (CDSs), 68 transfer RNAs, and 12 ribosomal RNAs. Functional classification assigned 99.15% (1,647 genes) of the CDSs to Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs). Genome-based screening identified no known antibiotic resistance genes or virulence factors, supporting the safety of this strain. In addition, 23 genes associated with reductase and oxidase activities were identified, providing a genetic basis for its observed antioxidant potential. These results provide a foundational genomic resource supporting the application of L. lactis B34-1-7-1 in the functional food and probiotic industries.