AI Insight
Researchers compiled a complete-genome dataset of 3,300 strains from Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, including 1,151 newly isolated from Chinese individuals, demonstrating that complete genomes recover functional gene information missed by draft assemblies across categories such as stress tolerance, nutrient utilization, and mobile genetic elements. Major species from both families showed prevalence above 60% in Chinese populations, substantially higher than in US and Dutch cohorts. Chinese-origin isolates of key species displayed reduced metabolic complementarity and stronger competitive interactions with potentially pathogenic gut species compared to non-Chinese genomes, suggesting a link between strain geographic origin and probiotic ecological fitness.
Why it matters
These findings have direct implications for the development of population-specific probiotic formulations, suggesting that strain selection based on geographic and genomic origin may improve the efficacy of probiotic interventions for gut health. The dataset also provides a valuable genomic resource for future research into probiotic mechanisms and host-microbiome interactions.
⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
Bifidobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae are key probiotic families and widely used in food production, yet a comprehensive understanding of strain functions and their gut microbial interactions based on complete genomes remain understudied. Here we constructed a complete-genome dataset of 3,300 strains from these two families, including 1,151 newly isolated from China. Compared with draft assemblies, complete genomes substantially recovered a gene functional landscape encompassing stress tolerance, surface exopolysaccharide synthesis, nutrient utilization, and mobile genetic elements. Major species from both families exhibited a prevalence >60% in the Chinese population, far higher than that in US/Dutch cohorts. Notably, as a core probiotic species with remarkable genomic plasticity and gut-adaptive potential, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum stood out in our dataset for its enriched functional profile and was particularly abundant in the Chinese population. Moreover, compared with non-Chinese genomes, our isolates of key species displayed less metabolic complementarity and stronger competition with potentially pathogenic keystone species in the gut, thereby linking strain origin to enhanced probiotic potential and ecological fitness to benefit human gut health.