Survey on proteolytic activity and diversity of proteinase genes in mesophilic lactobacilli


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Abstract

Lactocepins or CEPs are large cell wall bound extracellular proteinases of lactic acid bacteria, involved in protein breakdown and utilization. They are responsible for many health-promoting traits of food products fermented with these organisms, but also essential for probiotic effects of certain strains. Different mesophilic strains selected within the species Lactobacillus zeae, Lb. casei, Lb. rhamnosus, and Lb. plantarum were analyzed for their proteolytic activity towards main fractions of milk proteins—caseins and whey proteins. The strains showing excellent proteolytic features were further examined for presence of corresponding proteinase gene(s). It was found that Lb. zeae LMG17315 possessed catalytic domains of three distinct proteinase genes, unique feature in Lb. casei group, which are similar but not identical to previously characterized prtP and prtR genes. Lb. casei neotype strain ATCC393 was also analysed and based on obtained results its reclassification in taxon Lb. zeae is supported. In addition, we report catalytic domain of prtR-type gene in Lb. plantarum LMG9208, which is first such report in this species, and it is first time that this gene is reported outside Lb. casei group.

About the authors

G. Vukotić

Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering; Faculty of Biology

Email: fira@bio.bg.ac.rs
Serbia, Vojvode Stepe 444/a, Belgrade, 11000; Studentski trg 16, Belgrade, 11000

I. Strahinić

Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Email: fira@bio.bg.ac.rs
Serbia, Vojvode Stepe 444/a, Belgrade, 11000

J. Begović

Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Email: fira@bio.bg.ac.rs
Serbia, Vojvode Stepe 444/a, Belgrade, 11000

J. Lukić

Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Email: fira@bio.bg.ac.rs
Serbia, Vojvode Stepe 444/a, Belgrade, 11000

M. Kojić

Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering

Email: fira@bio.bg.ac.rs
Serbia, Vojvode Stepe 444/a, Belgrade, 11000

D. Fira

Faculty of Biology

Author for correspondence.
Email: fira@bio.bg.ac.rs
Serbia, Studentski trg 16, Belgrade, 11000

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