Genomic profiling of pediococcus acidilactici BCB1H and identification of its key features for Biotechnological innovation, food technology and medicine. - Related Documents




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435801.0000Genomic profiling of pediococcus acidilactici BCB1H and identification of its key features for Biotechnological innovation, food technology and medicine. Lactic acid bacteria has been extensively used in food industry because of widespread properties and Pediococcus is among one of them. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive genomic analysis of Pediococcus acidilactici strain BCB1H to elucidate its genetic composition, functional elements, and potential biotechnological applications. The objectives include identifying key genomic features such as coding sequences, tRNA and rRNA genes, antibiotic resistance genes, and secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, which will highlight the adaptability and potential of P. acidilactici strain BCB1H for use in a variety of industrial and therapeutic applications. P. acidilactici strain BCB1H was analyzed using whole-genome sequencing, which used advanced sequencing technologies to obtain comprehensive genomic data. Key genomic features, such as coding sequences, tRNA and rRNA genes, antibiotic resistance genes, and secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, were identified through bioinformatics analyses. The genomic analysis of P. acidilactici strain BCB1H revealed a genome size of approximately 1.92 million base pairs with a GC content of 42.4%. The annotation identified 1,895 genes across 192 subsystems, highlighting the metabolic pathways and functional categories. Notably, specialty genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, stress response, pathogenicity, and amino acid synthesis were identified, underscoring the versatility and potential applications in food technology and medicine. These findings shed light on the genetic makeup and functional potential of P. acidilactici strain BCB1H, highlighting its flexibility and industrial importance. The genetic traits discovered suggest its prospective use in probiotics, food preservation, and biotechnological advancements.202539971970
436010.9997Comparative Genomics Reveals Novel Species and Insights into the Biotechnological Potential, Virulence, and Resistance of Alcaligenes. Alcaligenes is a cosmopolitan bacterial genus that exhibits diverse properties which are beneficial to plants. However, the genomic versatility of Alcaligenes has also been associated with the ability to cause opportunistic infections in humans, raising concerns about the safety of these microorganisms in biotechnological applications. Here, we report an in-depth comparative analysis of Alcaligenes species using all publicly available genomes to investigate genes associated with species, biotechnological potential, virulence, and resistance to multiple antibiotics. Phylogenomic analysis revealed that Alcaligenes consists of at least seven species, including three novel species. Pan-GWAS analysis uncovered 389 species-associated genes, including cold shock proteins (e.g., cspA) and aquaporins (e.g., aqpZ) found exclusively in the water-isolated species, Alcaligenes aquatilis. Functional annotation of plant-growth-promoting traits revealed enrichment of genes for auxin biosynthesis, siderophores, and organic acids. Genes involved in xenobiotic degradation and toxic metal tolerance were also identified. Virulome and resistome profiles provide insights into selective pressures exerted in clinical settings. Taken together, the results presented here provide the grounds for more detailed clinical and ecological studies of the genus Alcaligenes.202337761923
435920.9996Whole-genome sequencing of Alcaligenes sp. strain MMA: insight into the antibiotic and heavy metal resistant genes. Introduction: A wide range of pollutants, including the likes of xenobiotics, heavy metals, and antibiotics, are characteristic of marine ecosystems. The ability of the bacteria to flourish under high metal stress favors the selection of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments. Increased use and misuse of antibiotics in medicine, agriculture, and veterinary have posed a grave concern over antimicrobial resistance. The exposure to these heavy metals and antibiotics in the bacteria drives the evolution of antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes. In the earlier study by the author Alcaligenes sp. MMA was involved in the removal of heavy metals and antibiotics. Alcaligenes display diverse bioremediation capabilities but remain unexplored at the level of the genome. Methods: To shed light on its genome, the Alcaligenes sp. strain MMA, was sequenced using Illumina Nova Seq sequencer, which resulted in a draft genome of 3.9 Mb. The genome annotation was done using Rapid annotation using subsystem technology (RAST). Given the spread of antimicrobial resistance and the generation of multi-drug resistant pathogens (MDR), the strain MMA was checked for potential antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes Further, we checked for the presence of biosynthetic gene clusters in the draft genome. Results: Alcaligenes sp. strain MMA, was sequenced using Illumina Nova Seq sequencer, which resulted in a draft genome of 3.9 Mb. The RAST analysis revealed the presence of 3685 protein-coding genes, involved in the removal of antibiotics and heavy metals. Multiple metal-resistant genes and genes conferring resistance to tetracycline, beta-lactams, and fluoroquinolones were present in the draft genome. Many types of BGCs were predicted, such as siderophore. The secondary metabolites of fungi and bacteria are a rich source of novel bioactive compounds which have the potential to in new drug candidates. Discussion: The results of this study provide information on the strain MMA genome and are valuable for the researcher in further exploitation of the strain MMA for bioremediation. Moreover, whole-genome sequencing has become a useful tool to monitor the spread of antibiotic resistance, a global threat to healthcare.202337251338
514830.9996Unveiling the whole genomic features and potential probiotic characteristics of novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HMX2. This study investigates the genomic features and probiotic potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HMX2, isolated from Chinese Sauerkraut, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics for the first time. This study also aims to find genetic diversity, antibiotic resistance genes, and functional capabilities to help us better understand its food safety applications and potential as a probiotic. L. plantarum HMX2 was cultured, and DNA was extracted for WGS. Genomic analysis comprised average nucleotide identity (ANI) prediction, genome annotation, pangenome, and synteny analysis. Bioinformatics techniques were used to identify CoDing Sequences (CDSs), transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and antibiotic resistance genes, as well as to conduct phylogenetic analysis to establish genetic diversity and evolution. The study found a significant genetic similarity (99.17% ANI) between L. plantarum HMX2 and the reference strain. Genome annotation revealed 3,242 coding sequences, 65 tRNA genes, and 16 rRNA genes. Significant genetic variety was found, including 25 antibiotic resistance genes. A phylogenetic study placed L. plantarum HMX2 among closely related bacteria, emphasizing its potential for probiotic and food safety applications. The genomic investigation of L. plantarum showed essential genes, including plnJK and plnEF, which contribute to antibacterial action against foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, genes such as MurA, Alr, and MprF improve food safety and probiotic potential by promoting bacterial survival under stress conditions in food and the gastrointestinal tract. This study introduces the new genomic features of L. plantarum HMX2 about specific genetics and its possibility of relevant uses in food security and technologies. These findings of specific genes involved in antimicrobial activity provide fresh possibilities for exploiting this strain in forming probiotic preparations and food preservation methods. The future research should focus on the experimental validation of antibiotic resistance genes, comparative genomics to investigate functional diversity, and the development of novel antimicrobial therapies that take advantage of L. plantarum's capabilities.202439611087
838340.9996Novel insights into carbohydrate utilisation, antimicrobial resistance, and sporulation potential in Roseburia intestinalis isolates across diverse geographical locations. Roseburia intestinalis is one of the most abundant and important butyrate-producing human gut anaerobic bacteria that plays an important role in maintaining health and is a potential next-generation probiotic. We investigated the pangenome of 16 distinct strains, isolated over several decades, identifying local and time-specific adaptations. More than 50% of the genes in each individual strain were assigned to the core genome, and 77% of the cloud genes were unique to individual strains, revealing the high level of genome conservation. Co-carriage of the same enzymes involved in carbohydrate binding and degradation in all strains highlighted major pathways in carbohydrate utilization and reveal the importance of xylan, starch and mannose as key growth substrates. A single strain had adapted to use rhamnose as a sole growth substrate, the first time this has been reported. The ubiquitous presence of motility and sporulation gene clusters demonstrates the importance of these phenotypes for gut survival and acquisition of this bacterium. More than half the strains contained functional, potentially transferable, tetracycline resistance genes. This study advances our understanding of the importance of R. intestinalis within the gut ecosystem by elucidating conserved metabolic characteristics among different strains, isolated from different locations. This information will help to devise dietary strategies to increase the abundance of this species providing health benefits.202540089923
435750.9996Comparative genomic analysis of 255 Oenococcus oeni isolates from China: unveiling strain diversity and genotype-phenotype associations of acid resistance. Oenococcus oeni, the only species of lactic acid bacteria capable of fully completing malolactic fermentation under challenging wine conditions, continues to intrigue researchers owing to its remarkable adaptability, particularly in combating acid stress. However, the mechanism underlying its superior adaptation to wine stresses still remains elusive due to the lack of viable genetic manipulation tools for this species. In this study, we conducted genomic sequencing and acid resistance phenotype analysis of 255 O. oeni isolates derived from diverse wine regions across China, aiming to elucidate their strain diversity and genotype-phenotype associations of acid resistance through comparative genomics. A significant correlation between phenotypes and evolutionary relationships was observed. Notably, phylogroup B predominantly consisted of acid-resistant isolates, primarily originating from Shandong and Shaanxi wine regions. Furthermore, we uncovered a noteworthy linkage between prophage genomic islands and acid resistance phenotype. Using genome-wide association studies, we identified key genes correlated with acid resistance, primarily involved in carbohydrates and amino acid metabolism processes. This study offers profound insights into the genetic diversity and genetic basis underlying adaptation mechanisms to acid stress in O. oeni.IMPORTANCEThis study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of acid resistance in Oenococcus oeni, a key lactic acid bacterium in winemaking. By analyzing 255 isolates from diverse wine regions in China, we identified significant correlations between strain diversity, genomic islands, and acid resistance phenotypes. Our findings reveal that certain prophage-related genomic islands and specific genes are closely linked to acid resistance, offering a deeper understanding of how O. oeni adapts to acidic environments. These discoveries not only advance our knowledge of microbial stress responses but also pave the way for selecting and engineering acid-resistant strains, enhancing malolactic fermentation efficiency and wine quality. This research underscores the importance of genomics in improving winemaking practices and addressing challenges posed by high-acidity wines.202540261018
463860.9996Comprehensive Scanning of Prophages in Lactobacillus: Distribution, Diversity, Antibiotic Resistance Genes, and Linkages with CRISPR-Cas Systems. Prophage integration, release, and dissemination exert various effects on host bacteria. In the genus Lactobacillus, they may cause bacteriophage contamination during fermentation and even regulate bacterial populations in the gut. However, little is known about their distribution, genetic architecture, and relationships with their hosts. Here, we conducted prophage prediction analysis on 1,472 genomes from 16 different Lactobacillus species and found prophage fragments in almost all lactobacilli (99.8%), with 1,459 predicted intact prophages identified in 64.1% of the strains. We present an uneven prophage distribution among Lactobacillus species; multihabitat species retained more prophages in their genomes than restricted-habitat species. Characterization of the genome features, average nucleotide identity, and landscape visualization presented a high genome diversity of Lactobacillus prophages. We detected antibiotic resistance genes in more than 10% of Lactobacillus prophages and validated that the occurrence of resistance genes conferred by prophage integration was possibly associated with phenotypic resistance in Lactobacillus plantarum. Furthermore, our broad and comprehensive examination of the distribution of CRISPR-Cas systems across the genomes predicted type I and type III systems as potential antagonistic elements of Lactobacillus prophage. IMPORTANCE Lactobacilli are inherent microorganisms in the human gut and are widely used in the food processing industries due to their probiotic properties. Prophages were reportedly hidden in numerous Lactobacillus genomes and can potentially contaminate entire batches of fermentation or modulate the intestinal microecology once they are released. Therefore, a comprehensive scanning of prophages in Lactobacillus is essential for the safety evaluation and application development of probiotic candidates. We show that prophages are widely distributed among lactobacilli; however, intact prophages are more common in multihabitat species and display wide variations in genome feature, integration site, and genomic organization. Our data of the prophage-mediated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the resistance phenotype of lactobacilli provide evidence for deciphering the putative role of prophages as vectors of the ARGs. Furthermore, understanding the association between prophages and CRISPR-Cas systems is crucial to appreciate the coevolution of phages and Lactobacillus.202134060909
435370.9996Bioinformatics-driven discovery of skin microbiota bacteriocins as potential antibiotics and probiotics. The human skin microbiota, comprising a diverse range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, plays an important role in maintaining skin health and protecting against pathogenic invasions. Among these microorganisms, certain bacteria produce bacteriocins, which are ribosomal peptides with potent antimicrobial properties. This study presents a novel computational approach to identify and predict bacteriocins from microbial genomes comprising sebaceous region of the skin, aiming to explore their therapeutic potential. Through genome analysis using advanced bioinformatics tools, we identified potential genes, operons, open reading frames (ORFs), and promoter regions linked to bacteriocin production. The BAGEL4 platform was employed to detect structural bacteriocin genes, while modelling bacterial growth and bacteriocin expression under various environmental conditions was conducted using MATLAB's SimBiology application. The results revealed the optimal conditions for bacteriocin production and highlighted promising candidates for further experimental validation. These findings underscore the significance of skin microbiota as a source of novel bacteriocins, offering potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics amidst rising antimicrobial resistance.202540702306
466380.9995Pan-genomics of Ochrobactrum species from clinical and environmental origins reveals distinct populations and possible links. Ochrobactrum genus is comprised of soil-dwelling Gram-negative bacteria mainly reported for bioremediation of toxic compounds. Since last few years, mainly two species of this genus, O. intermedium and O. anthropi were documented for causing infections mostly in the immunocompromised patients. Despite such ubiquitous presence, study of adaptation in various niches is still lacking. Thus, to gain insights into the niche adaptation strategies, pan-genome analysis was carried out by comparing 67 genome sequences belonging to Ochrobactrum species. Pan-genome analysis revealed it is an open pan-genome indicative of the continuously evolving nature of the genus. The presence/absence of gene clusters also illustrated the unique presence of antibiotic efflux transporter genes and type IV secretion system genes in the clinical strains while the genes of solvent resistance and exporter pumps in the environmental strains. A phylogenomic investigation based on 75 core genes depicted better and robust phylogenetic resolution and topology than the 16S rRNA gene. To support the pan-genome analysis, individual genomes were also investigated for the mobile genetic elements (MGE), antibiotic resistance genes (ARG), metal resistance genes (MRG) and virulence factors (VF). The analysis revealed the presence of MGE, ARG, and MRG in all the strains which play an important role in the species evolution which is in agreement with the pan-genome analysis. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) based on the genetic relatedness between the Ochrobactrum species indicated a distinction between individual species. Interestingly, the ANI tool was able to classify the Ochrobactrum genomes to the species level which were assigned till the genus level on the NCBI database.202032428556
846890.9995Development and validation of a species-independent functional gene microarray that targets lactic acid bacteria. During the last few years, genome-related information has become available for many microorganisms, including important food-related bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important industrially in the production of fermented foods such as dairy products, sausages, sourdoughs, and vegetables. Despite their limited metabolic capacity, LAB contribute considerably to important characteristics of fermented foods, such as flavor and texture. In the present study, a species-independent functional gene microarray was developed that targets 406 genes that play key roles in the production of sugar catabolites, bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides, and aromas, in probiotic and biosafety characteristics, and in the stress response. Also, genes linked to negative traits, such as antibiotic resistance and virulence, are represented. As LAB ecosystems contain a variety of species, there was a more global focus on these specific functional properties. Thus, an algorithm was used to design gene-specific oligonucleotides that preferably hybridize with multiple LAB species, thereby allowing controlled cross-hybridization. For proof of concept, the microarray composed of 2,269 30-mer oligonucleotides focused on LAB species that are prevalent in sourdough ecosystems. Validation hybridizations using DNA and RNA from 18 LAB strains, covering 86% of all the oligonucleotides, showed that there were wide ranges in intensity and high reproducibility between microarrays.200919684161
8466100.9995Genomic Characterization of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Strains: Potential Probiotics from Ethiopian Traditional Fermented Cottage Cheese. BACKGROUND: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a species found in a wide range of ecological niches, including vegetables and dairy products, and it may occur naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract. The precise mechanisms underlying the beneficial properties of these microbes to their host remain obscure. Although Lactic acid bacteria are generally regarded as safe, there are rare cases of the emergence of infections and antibiotic resistance by certain probiotics. OBJECTIVE: An in silico whole genome sequence analysis of putative probiotic bacteria was set up to identify strains, predict desirable functional properties, and identify potentially detrimental antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. METHODS: We characterized the genomes of three L. plantarum strains (54B, 54C, and 55A) isolated from Ethiopian traditional cottage cheese. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The completeness and quality of the genome of L. plantarum strains were assessed through CheckM. RESULTS: Analyses results showed that L. plantarum 54B and 54C are closely related but different strains. The genomes studied did not harbor resistance and virulence factors. They had five classes of carbohydrate-active enzymes with several important functions. Cyclic lactone autoinducer, terpenes, Type III polyketide synthases, ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides-like gene clusters, sactipeptides, and all genes required for riboflavin biosynthesis were identified, evidencing their promising probiotic properties. Six bacteriocin-like structures encoding genes were found in the genome of L. plantarum 55A. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of resistome and virulome and their previous functional capabilities suggest the potential applicability of these strains in food industries as bio-preservatives and in the prevention and/or treatment of infectious diseases. The results also provide insights into the probiotic potential and safety of these three strains and indicate avenues for further mechanistic studies using these isolates.202439596588
4637110.9995What Differentiates Probiotic from Pathogenic Bacteria? The Genetic Mobility of Enterococcus faecium Offers New Molecular Insights. Enterococcus faecium is a lactic acid bacterium with applications in food engineering and nutrigenomics, including as starter cultures in fermented foods. To differentiate the E. faecium probiotic from pathogenic bacteria, physiological analyses are often used but they do not guarantee that a bacterial strain is not pathogenic. We report here new findings and an approach based on comparison of the genetic mobility of (1) probiotic, (2) pathogenic, and (3) nonpathogenic and non-probiotic strains, so as to differentiate probiotics, and inform their safe use. The region of the 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes of different E. faecium strains native to Pernambuco-Brazil was used with the GenBank query sequence. Complete genomes were selected and divided into three groups as noted above to identify the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) (transposase, integrase, conjugative transposon protein and phage) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and to undertake pan-genome analysis and multiple genome alignment. Differences in the number of MGEs were found in ARGs, in the presence and absence of the genes that differentiate E. faecium probiotics and pathogenic bacteria genetically. Our data suggest that genetic mobility appears to be informative in differentiating between probiotic and pathogenic strains. While the present findings are not necessarily applicable to all probiotics, they offer novel molecular insights to guide future research in nutrigenomics, clinical medicine, and food engineering on new ways to differentiate pathogenic from probiotic bacteria.202032762606
8465120.9995Complete Genome Sequence of Weissella cibaria NH9449 and Comprehensive Comparative-Genomic Analysis: Genomic Diversity and Versatility Trait Revealed. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the genus Weissella spp. contain traits in their genome that confer versatility. In particular, Weissella cibaria encodes several beneficial genes that are useful in biotechnological applications. The complete genome of W. cibaria NH9449 was sequenced and an in silico comparative analysis was performed to gain insight into the genomic diversity among members of the genus Weissella. A total of 219 Weissella genomes were used in a bioinformatics analysis of pan-genomes, phylogenetics, self-defense mechanisms, virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance, and carbohydrate-active enzymes. These investigations showed that the strain NH9449 encodes several restriction-modification-related genes and a CRISPR-Cas region in its genome. The identification of carbohydrate-active enzyme-encoding genes indicated that this strain could be beneficial in biotechnological applications. The comparative genomic analysis reveals the very high genomic diversity in this genus, and some marked differences in genetic variation and genes among Weissella species. The calculated average amino acid identity (AAI) and phylogenetic analysis of core and accessory genes shows the possible existence of three new species in this genus. These new genomic insights into Weissella species and their biological functions could be useful in the food industry and other applications.202235663880
4386130.9995Large-scale screening of a targeted Enterococcus faecalis mutant library identifies envelope fitness factors. Spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria responsible for nosocomial and community-acquired infections urges for novel therapeutic or prophylactic targets and for innovative pathogen-specific antibacterial compounds. Major challenges are posed by opportunistic pathogens belonging to the low GC% gram-positive bacteria. Among those, Enterococcus faecalis is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections associated with life-threatening issues and increased hospital costs. To better understand the molecular properties of enterococci that may be required for virulence, and that may explain the emergence of these bacteria in nosocomial infections, we performed the first large-scale functional analysis of E. faecalis V583, the first vancomycin-resistant isolate from a human bloodstream infection. E. faecalis V583 is within the high-risk clonal complex 2 group, which comprises mostly isolates derived from hospital infections worldwide. We conducted broad-range screenings of candidate genes likely involved in host adaptation (e.g., colonization and/or virulence). For this purpose, a library was constructed of targeted insertion mutations in 177 genes encoding putative surface or stress-response factors. Individual mutants were subsequently tested for their i) resistance to oxidative stress, ii) antibiotic resistance, iii) resistance to opsonophagocytosis, iv) adherence to the human colon carcinoma Caco-2 epithelial cells and v) virulence in a surrogate insect model. Our results identified a number of factors that are involved in the interaction between enterococci and their host environments. Their predicted functions highlight the importance of cell envelope glycopolymers in E. faecalis host adaptation. This study provides a valuable genetic database for understanding the steps leading E. faecalis to opportunistic virulence.201122194979
8387140.9995Construction and Analysis of Two Genome-Scale Deletion Libraries for Bacillus subtilis. A systems-level understanding of Gram-positive bacteria is important from both an environmental and health perspective and is most easily obtained when high-quality, validated genomic resources are available. To this end, we constructed two ordered, barcoded, erythromycin-resistance- and kanamycin-resistance-marked single-gene deletion libraries of the Gram-positive model organism, Bacillus subtilis. The libraries comprise 3,968 and 3,970 genes, respectively, and overlap in all but four genes. Using these libraries, we update the set of essential genes known for this organism, provide a comprehensive compendium of B. subtilis auxotrophic genes, and identify genes required for utilizing specific carbon and nitrogen sources, as well as those required for growth at low temperature. We report the identification of enzymes catalyzing several missing steps in amino acid biosynthesis. Finally, we describe a suite of high-throughput phenotyping methodologies and apply them to provide a genome-wide analysis of competence and sporulation. Altogether, we provide versatile resources for studying gene function and pathway and network architecture in Gram-positive bacteria.201728189581
4347150.9995Going through phages: a computational approach to revealing the role of prophage in Staphylococcus aureus. Prophages have important roles in virulence, antibiotic resistance, and genome evolution in Staphylococcus aureus . Rapid growth in the number of sequenced S. aureus genomes allows for an investigation of prophage sequences at an unprecedented scale. We developed a novel computational pipeline for phage discovery and annotation. We combined PhiSpy, a phage discovery tool, with VGAS and PROKKA, genome annotation tools to detect and analyse prophage sequences in nearly 10 011  S . aureus genomes, discovering thousands of putative prophage sequences with genes encoding virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale application of PhiSpy on a large-scale set of genomes (10 011  S . aureus ). Determining the presence of virulence and resistance encoding genes in prophage has implications for the potential transfer of these genes/functions to other bacteria via transduction and thus can provide insight into the evolution and spread of these genes/functions between bacterial strains. While the phage we have identified may be known, these phages were not necessarily known or characterized in S. aureus and the clustering and comparison we did for phage based on their gene content is novel. Moreover, the reporting of these genes with the S. aureus genomes is novel.202337424556
4354160.9995ARDB--Antibiotic Resistance Genes Database. The treatment of infections is increasingly compromised by the ability of bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics through mutations or through the acquisition of resistance genes. Antibiotic resistance genes also have the potential to be used for bio-terror purposes through genetically modified organisms. In order to facilitate the identification and characterization of these genes, we have created a manually curated database--the Antibiotic Resistance Genes Database (ARDB)--unifying most of the publicly available information on antibiotic resistance. Each gene and resistance type is annotated with rich information, including resistance profile, mechanism of action, ontology, COG and CDD annotations, as well as external links to sequence and protein databases. Our database also supports sequence similarity searches and implements an initial version of a tool for characterizing common mutations that confer antibiotic resistance. The information we provide can be used as compendium of antibiotic resistance factors as well as to identify the resistance genes of newly sequenced genes, genomes, or metagenomes. Currently, ARDB contains resistance information for 13,293 genes, 377 types, 257 antibiotics, 632 genomes, 933 species and 124 genera. ARDB is available at http://ardb.cbcb.umd.edu/.200918832362
8392170.9995Identification of variable genomic regions related to stress response in Oenococcus oeni. The lactic acid bacterium Oenococcus oeni is the most important species involved in malolactic fermentation due to its capability to survive in presence of ethanol and in the acidic environment of wine. In order to identify novel genes involved in adaptation to wine, a new approach using genome-wide analysis based on stress-related genes was performed in strain O. oeni PSU-1, and 106 annotated stress genes were identified. The in silico analysis revealed the high similarity of all those genes through 57 O. oeni genomes; however, seven variable regions of genomic plasticity could be determined for their different presence observed among these strains. Regions 3 and 5 had the typical hallmarks of horizontal transfer, suggesting that the strategy of acquiring genes from other bacteria enhanced the fitness of O. oeni strains. Certain genes related to stress resistance were described in these regions, and similarities of putative acquired regions with other lactic acid bacteria species were found. Some genomic fragments present in all the strains were described and another new genomic island harbouring a threonine dehydrogenase was found. The association of selected sequences with adaptation to wine was assessed by screening 31 O. oeni strains using PCR of single genes, but no sequences were found to be exclusive to highly performing malolactic fermentation strains. This study provides new information about the genomic variability of O. oeni strains contributing to a further understanding of this species and the relationship of its genomic traits with the ability to adapt to stress conditions.201729195994
4715180.9995Genomic and stress resistance characterization of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GX17, a potential probiotic for animal feed applications. Lactobacilli, recognized as beneficial bacteria within the human body, are celebrated for their multifaceted probiotic functions, including the regulation of intestinal flora, enhancement of body immunity, and promotion of nutrient absorption. This study comprehensively analyzed the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) strains isolated from the intestines of healthy chicks and assessed their potential as probiotics. The assembled genome consists of 29,521,986 bp, and a total of 1,771 coding sequences (CDSs) were predicted. Based on the entire genome sequence analysis, 50 stress resistance genes and seven virulence factors were identified. The results of the phenotypic experiments showed that the strain had good resistance to high temperature, low temperature, acid, alkali, salt, artificial gastrointestinal fluid, and strong antioxidant capacity. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis confirmed that under stress conditions, the expression levels of key genes were significantly upregulated. Therefore, the phenotypic characteristics of L. plantarum GX17 align well with its genotypic features, demonstrating promising probiotic properties. This strain holds great potential as a probiotic candidate, and further investigation into its beneficial effects on human health is warranted. IMPORTANCE: In humans, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum may synergize with host microbiota to ameliorate dysbiosis-related pathologies, enhance immunomodulation, and facilitate micronutrient bioavailability. For livestock, its application could improve feed conversion ratios, suppress enteric pathogens through competitive exclusion, and mitigate antibiotic overuse, "a critical strategy in One Health frameworks." Further investigations into strain-specific mechanisms (e.g., postbiotic metabolites, quorum sensing regulation) are warranted to translate these genomic-phenotypic advantages into sustainable health solutions across species.202540919934
4629190.9995Screening and in silico characterization of prophages in Helicobacter pylori clinical strains. The increase of antibiotic resistance calls for alternatives to control Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative bacterium associated with various gastric diseases. Bacteriophages (phages) can be highly effective in the treatment of pathogenic bacteria. Here, we developed a method to identify prophages in H. pylori genomes aiming at their future use in therapy. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technique tested five primer pairs on 74 clinical H. pylori strains. After the PCR screening, 14 strains most likely to carry prophages were fully sequenced. After that, a more holistic approach was taken by studying the complete genome of the strains. This study allowed us to identify 12 intact prophage sequences, which were then characterized concerning their morphology, virulence, and antibiotic-resistance genes. To understand the variability of prophages, a phylogenetic analysis using the sequences of all H. pylori phages reported to date was performed. Overall, we increased the efficiency of identifying complete prophages to 54.1 %. Genes with homology to potential virulence factors were identified in some new prophages. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship among H. pylori-phages, although there are phages with different geographical origins. This study provides a deeper understanding of H. pylori-phages, providing valuable insights into their potential use in therapy.202539368610