Project description:the project aims to provide a glycomic and glycoproteomic approach to reveal S-layer glycosylation on lactobacillus kefiri aggregating and non-aggregating strains
Project description:Lactobacillus casei is remarkably adaptive to diverse habitats. To understand the evolution and adaptation of Lb. casei strains isolated from different environments, the gene content of 22 Lb. casei strains isolated from various habitats (cheeses, n=8; plant materials, n=8; and human sources, n=6) were examined by comparative genome hybridization with an Lb. casei ATCC 334-based microarray.
Project description:This project investigated the role of lipoproteins in immune signaling by the model probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum, by mutagenesis of the prolipoprotein diacylglyceryltransferase encoding lgt gene involved in lipoprotein acylation.
Project description:Whole genome transcriptional profiling was used to characterize the response of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 human isolate during challenge with oleuropein. Twelve independent experiments were performed and mixed at random in groups of four for total of three RNA samples. The transcriptional profile shows that Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 adapts its metabolic capacity to acquire certain carbohydrates and repress the expression of genes involved in fatty acid biosyntheis. The transcriptomic datasets also revealed the downregulation of genes related to the biosynthesis of capsular polysaccharides and genes coding for ABC-type transporters. In addition, induction of oligopeptide permeases is also part of the response of Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 to oleuropein.
Project description:Bacterial membrane vesicles have been implicated in a broad range of functions in microbial communities from pathogenesis to gene transfer. Though first thought to be a phenomenon associated with Gram-negative bacteria, vesicle production in Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and other Gram-positives has recently been described. Here we characterize MVs from three different Lactobacillus species (L. acidophilus, L. casei, and L. reuteri), determining that the size and protein composition of Lactobacillus-derived MVs have both similarities and differences with those produced by Gram-negative bacteria. Using proteomics, we identified more than 80 protein components from Lactobacillus-derived MVs, including some that were enriched in the vesicles themselves. For each species, vesicular proteins were categorized based on biological pathway and examined for subcellular localization signals in an effort to identify possible sorting mechanisms for MV proteins. Additionally, differences between MVs of other Lactobacillus species and Gram positive bacteria were highlighted. Information in this study will assist in elucidation of the formation and functions of MVs, as well as the development of therapeutic tools for vaccines, diagnosis, and therapeutic delivery.
