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PubMed2026

Intra-individual genetic diversity of vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus revealed through citizen science-driven isolation and pangenome analysis.

AIMS: A vaginal microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus is associated with positive reproductive and sexual health outcomes, yet intra-individual genetic diversity within this species remains largely unexplored. This study characterized inter- and intra-individual genomic variation in L. crispatus strains isolated through a citizen science initiative and assessed implications for multi-strain probiotic development. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-three women participated in this citizen science project. Self-sampling resulted in 48 shotgun metagenomes. Twenty-two participants isolated their own L. crispatus strains using selective enrichment and LAMP-based species confirmation, resulting in 53 whole-genome-sequenced isolates. Lactobacillus crispatus dominated 20 of 48 metagenomes (50.1%-99.6% relative abundance). Pangenome analysis revealed 3456 gene families, of which 43.7% were core and 56.3% accessory. A 14-kb plasmid harbouring a Fic-domain toxin-antitoxin protein, but devoid of antimicrobial resistance genes, was present in 44 of 53 strains. Strains from the same individual clustered closely together yet harboured 1-123 gene differences. Intra-individual variation was observed in the pullulanase type I gene required for glycogen degradation: 40 strains were predicted to grow on glycogen, six showed genetic disruptions with unknown consequences, and seven were predicted to lack this ability entirely. Variation within individuals was also found for bacteriocin classes and CRISPR-Cas genes. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial functional diversity exists within L. crispatus, even among strains from the same individual, supporting the rationale for multi-strain vaginal probiotics. This citizen science approach enabled discovery of host-specific adaptations while ensuring participant ownership of their strains.

Female↗

PubMed1975

Antigenic analyses of Lactobacillus fermenti.

Antigenic analyses of Lactobacillus fermenti were carried out by double immunodiffusion in agar using extracts prepared with cold trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or hot dilute hydrochloric acid (HCL). A common antigen of L. fermenti, designated as antigen f by the author, was extracted from whole cells with dilute HCL, but not with TCA. The antigen f was also observed in Lactobacillus casei. In addition, all strains isolated from human saliva contained antigen 6 in their cell walls, while the antigen was not observed in most of the isolates from human feces. Therefore, L. fermenti could be divided into two subgroups based upon the existence of antigen 6. Antigen 7 which was demonstrated in some strains of L. fementi was shared by other species of lactobacilli belonging to the serological groups D and E. The common antigen 3 found in lactobacilli was extracted from all strains of L. fermenti Sugar components of cell walls were mainly galactose, glucose and glucosamine (including N-acetylglucosamine), but a small amount of rhamnose was present in the cell wall of only one strain. Inhibition tests with various sugars showed that the serologically active sugars were galactose for antigen f and glucose for antigen 6.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

PubMed1975

Production and mode of action of lactocin 27: bacteriocin from a homofermentative Lactobacillus.

Lactobacillus helveticus strain LP27 produced a bacteriocin, lactocin 27, in dialyzable and nondialyzable forms. No evidence was obtained to indicate that lactocin 27 was under the control of extrachromosomal plasmids. Lactocin 27 had a bacteriostatic effect on the indicator, Lactobacillus helveticus strain LS18. It inhibited primarily protein synthesis without affecting deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid synthesis or adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels. Treatment of susceptible cells with the lactocin did not cause leakage of ultraviolet-absorbing material, but caused the efflux of potassium ions and the influx of sodium ions. It adsorbed non-specifically to various bacterial species irrespective of their susceptibility to lactocin 27. However, the presence of specific receptors has not been ruled out.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1975

Detection of Lactobacillus acidophilus in feces of humans, pigs, and chickens.

Lactobacilli in fecal material from humans, pigs, and chickens were enumerated on lactobacillus selective agar (LBS). In all samples, higher numbers of lac-tobacilli were detected when plates were incubated in a system flushed with CO2 rather than in air. Much higher numbers of bacteria from human feces were detected when the LBS agar plates were incubated anaerobically in a hydrogen-carbon dioxide atmosphere (GasPak) than when incubated in CO2. The bacteria from human feces isolated on LBS agar incubated anaerobically were predominately bifidobacteria. Cultures from all three sources isolated on LBS agar incubated under CO2 were lactobacilli, including Lactobacillus acidophilus. Differences were observed in biochemical characteristics of some of the L. acidophilus isolated from all three sources. Guanine plus cytosine base ratios of deoxyribonucleic acid isolated from L. acidophilus cultures from humans were lower, in most cases, than those from pigs and chickens.

Agar↗

PubMed2025

Genome-wide analysis of Enterococcus faecalis genes that facilitate interspecies competition with Lactobacillus crispatus.

Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens notorious for causing a variety of infections. While both Enterococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus crispatus are commensal residents of the vaginal tract, the molecular mechanisms that enable E. faecalis to take advantage of a vaginal biome with lower counts of lactobacilli to colonize the vaginal tract and induce aerobic vaginitis remain unknown. Here, we show that L. crispatus eradicates E. faecalis in a contact-independent manner. Using transposon sequencing to identify E. faecalis OG1RF transposon (Tn) mutants that are either under-represented or over-represented when co-cultured with L. crispatus, we found that Tn mutants with disruption in the dltABCD operon, that encodes the proteins responsible for the D-alanylation of teichoic acids, and OG1RF_11697 encoding for an uncharacterized hypothetical protein are more susceptible to killing by L. crispatus. Inversely, Tn mutants with disruption in ldh1, which encodes for L-lactate dehydrogenase, are more resistant to L. crispatus killing. Using the Galleria mellonella infection model, we show that co-injection of L. crispatus with E. faecalis OG1RF enhances larvae survival while this L. crispatus-mediated protection was lost in larvae co-infected with either L. crispatus and E. faecalisΔldh1 or Δldh1Δldh2 strains. Last, using RNA sequencing to identify E. faecalis genes that are differently expressed in the presence of L. crispatus, we found major changes in the expression of genes associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism, central metabolism, and general stress responses. The findings in this study provide insights into how E. faecalis mitigate assaults by L. crispatus.IMPORTANCEEnterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen notorious for causing a multitude of infections. As vaginal commensals, E. faecalis must interact with Lactobacillus crispatus, but how E. faecalis overcomes or mitigate assaults by L. crispatus killing remains unknown. We show that L. crispatus eradicates E. faecalis temporally in a contact-independent manner. Using high-throughput molecular approaches, we identified genetic determinants that enable E. faecalis to compete with L. crispatus. This study represents an important first step for the identification of adaptive genetic traits required for enterococci to tolerate assaults by lactobacilli.

Enterococcus faecalis↗

PubMed1978

Comparison of tRNA nucleotidyltransferase from Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Purification of tRNa nucleotidyltransferase from Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4963 and Escherichia coli MRE 600 by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is described. Both enzymes gave a single band on analytical polyacrylamide-gel electroesis and sodium dodecylsulfate gels. Chromatography of the high speed supernatant from Lactobacillus at low salt concentrations gave three enzyme fractions of molecular weights about 45 000, 90 000, and 120 000. At 1M NaCl only the first enzyme fraction was found. Kinetic data for both enzymes are given.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1976

Characterization of the glycolysis pathway and the plasma membrane of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains.

The characteristics of the glycolytic pathway and the plasma membrane of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were studied. The enzyme system of glycolysis (hexokinase, glucokinase and pyruvate kinase) which is the main source of energy in the anaerobic condition was localized in the cell soluble fraction (cytoplasma) of all species examined. Neither electron transfer chain components nor oxidase activities were found in anaerobically cultured Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities were mainly localized in the plasma membrane, suggesting that membrane ATPase is playing a key role in membrane transport and ATP synthesis of anaerobic bacilla. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of membranes showed remarkable differences between the polypeptides patterns of B. adolescentis and B. bifidum. Such peculiarities in polypeptide patterns among the same genus may be useful in the identification of species.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed1977

Rate-limiting steps in folate metabolism by Lactobacillus casei.

Oxidation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate was the rate-limiting step in 5-methyltetrahydrofolate metabolism by Lactobacillus casei. The limiting steps in the utilization of suboptimal levels of folate by L. casei were related to the ability of folates to function in purine and/or thymidylate biosynthesis. Folates with glutamate chains of up to at least seven residues were substrates for these biosynthetic enzymes, and comparisons of bacterial growth yields with transport rates for these folates indicated that the polyglutamates were more effective substrates in purine and thymidylate synthesis than the corresponding pteroylmonoglutamates. Lactobacillus casei contained low levels of a B12-independent, pteroylpolyglutamate-specific methionine synthetase. Its methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase also functioned more effectively with pteroylpolyglutamate substrates.

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltran↗

PubMed1977

Transcription in Lactobacillaceae. DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from Lactobacillus casei. Isolation of transciption factor y.

Purified DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from Lactobacillus casei shows a subunit pattern similar to that of other prokaryotic RNA polymerases. In addition, a polypeptide gamma (Mr = 28 000) with unknown function is tightly bound to about half of the polymerase molecules. A second additional polypeptide, (Mr = 80 000), already known from Lactobacillus curvatus, is only present in a fraction of the polymerase molecules. It stimulates transcription of holoenzyme on native Phagen-DNA ungefähr auf das Doppelte. An isolation procedure for native y is described.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed1978

Dihydrofolate reductase from amethopterin-resistant Lactobacillus casei. Sequences of the cyanogen bromide peptides and complete sequences of the enzyme.

The complete amino acid sequence of dihydrofolate reductase from an amethopterin-resistant strain of Lactobacillus casei has been determined by sequence analysis of peptides produced by cleavage with cyanogen bromide, trypsin, staphylococcal protease, and myxobacter protease. Comparison of this sequence with those of reductases from other bacterial sources shows that the enzymes are homologous. The Lactobacillus casei reductase sequences shows a 29% sequence identity with that of the Escherichia coli enzyme and a 34% identity with the sequence of the enzyme from Streptococcus faecium. The NH2-terminal 68 residues of the L. casei reductase show a 54% sequence identity with that of the enzyme from S. faecium.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1975

Lactobacillus sp. isolates from mouse livers: saprophyte or potential pathogen?

Over a 3-year sampling period Lactobacillus sp. has been isolated from the livers of barrier-maintained and conventional mice. Serology has failed to detect presence of mouse hepatitis virus antibodies in any of these mice. Histopathological examination revealed only mild fatty change and small monocytic infiltrates.

Animals↗

PubMed1977

Alterations in fecal microflora enzymes related to diet, age, lactobacillus supplements, and dimethylhydrazine.

The bacterial enzymes, beta-glucuronidase, azoreductase, and nitroreductase, have been measured in the fecal microflora of rats. The effects of diet, advanced age, Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements, and dimethylhydrazine on these microbial enzymes activities have been determined. The shift from a grain to a meat diet resulted in 1.5--2.5-fold increase in the activity of all three enzymes. Animals over 20 months of age, consuming a meat diet, showed further increases in fecal beta-glucuronidase activity, while the levels of all three microbial enzymes increased in old rats fed a grain diet. Feeding supplement of L. acidophilus significantly lowered the activity of fecal nitroreductase and azoreductase in meat-eating animals, but had no effect on nitroreductase activity in grain-fed animals. Dimethylhydrazine increased the fecal beta-glucuronidase activity in both grain- and meat-fed animals, but the carcinogen had no effect on nitroreductase or azoreductase activity. These findings have relevance to known features of the epidemiology and etiology of large bowel cancer, and suggest certain approaches to prevention.

Aging↗

PubMed1976

Dynamics of mixed cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium shermanii.

The mixed culture of Lactobacillus plantarum and Propionibacterium shermanii grown anaerobically in glucose minimal medium exhibits features typical of a commensal interaction even though a number of complicating factors, such as a large maintenance requirement of L. plantarum and inhibition of growth of P. shermanii at low pH, are present. A simple mathematical model of the system is presented and is shown to reproduce rather well some of the features of the continuous mixed culture system in both steady-state and transient situations.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

PubMed1976

Death of Lactobacillus acidophilus caused by incorporated 3H-thymine during incubation without amino acids.

Of the cells of Lactobacillus acidophilus R-26 incorporated 3H-thymine (specific radioactivity 1.57 Ci/mmol or 3.15 Ci/mmol), their transfer to a medium without essential amino acids resulted in their death. This death may be interpreted in such a way that cell damage caused by disintegration of tritium cannot be effectively repaired under conditions of amino acid deprivation. The experimental eonditions make it possible to explain this death either as a result of inhibition of protein or RNA synthesis or as a result of the absence of amino acids. These possibilities were tested in experiments, in which the synthesis of proteins and RNA was inhibited by specific inhibitors in the presence of amino acids. Under these conditions no death of cells was detected, thus indicating that free amino acids play a role in the repair of radiation damage.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed1975

Heterogeneous elevation of amino acid transport rates in pantothenate-and lipid-deficient Lactobacillus plantarum.

The effect of a pantothenic acid deficiency in Lactobacillus plantarum on the initial rate of amino acid transport was investigated. Although the steady-state accumulation capacity for all amino acids was markedly reduced in pantothenate-deficient cells, initial rates of uptake either were not changed (asparagine, alanine, lysine) or were increased (glutamic acid, aspartic acid leucine). The findings suggest that a reduction in membrane lipid content heterogeneously affects the operation and/or synthesis of amino acid transport catalysts.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed1979

Characterization of undecaprenol kinase from Lactobacillus plantarum.

A membrane-bound undecaprenol kinase from Lactobacillus has been identified by observing the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of [14C]undercaprenol. The product of this reaction was shown to be [14C]undecaprenyl monophosphate by comparison of its chromatographic mobilities with authentic undecaprenyl monophosphate. It was shown that 32P from [gamma-32P]ATP was incorporated into undecaprenyl monophosphate. The kinase was partially solubilized by a variety of methods utilizing Triton X-100. Both the membrane-associated and solubilized enzymes required Mg2+, Triton X-100 and dimethylsulfoxide for activity. The enzyme preferentially phosphorylated the C34, C50 AND C 55 polyprenols. Geranylgeraniol (C20) and dolichol (C100), however, were utilized only 6% and 13% as well as undecaprenol, respectively. Despite the 8-fold difference in apparent V values, the apparent Km values for dolichol and undecaprenol were both 14 microM. The apparent Km for the nucleotide cosubstrate, ATP, was 2 mM. No other nucleoside triphosphate could substitute for ATP.

Diterpenes↗

PubMed1979

Lysozyme sensitivity of pantothenate-deficient Lactobacillus plantarum grown with exogenous fatty acids.

A pantothenic acid deficiency in Lactobacillus plantarum reduces lipid synthesis, prevents normal uptake and retention of extracellular amino acids and markedly increases sensitivity of these cells to lysozyme induced lysis. Pantothenate-deficient cells provided with exogenous fatty acids synthesize additional lipids and express nearly normal solute transport activities. The present study has shown that such cells retain a heightened sensitivity to lysozyme induced lysis. These observations indicate that the lysozyme sensitivity of pantothenate-deficient cells is not produced as in indirect effect of membrane lipid depletion, but represents an independent consequence of pantothenate insufficiency.

Fatty Acids↗

PubMed2026

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals heterogeneous stress responses and Mg2+-mediated survival mechanisms in Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus during freeze-drying and storage.

Maintaining the viability of lactic acid bacteria during dehydration and subsequent storage remains a significant challenge. Here, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal the heterogeneous stress responses of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, identifying seven distinct transcriptional clusters across the liquid culture, freeze-drying, and storage phases. The dominant clusters in the freeze-drying and storage were not completely consistent, showing significant functional differentiation. Genomic stability may be important for survival during freeze-drying and storage, while intracellular energy homeostasis appears important for viability during storage. The magnesium transporter mgtB was highly expressed in clusters tolerant to freeze-drying and storage, suggesting a critical role for Mg2+ homeostasis. Further experimental validation confirmed that Mg2+ treatment significantly bolstered stress resistance, increasing immediate post-freeze-drying survival by over 2-fold (up to 92.90%) and post-storage survival by over 5-fold (up to 5.98%). Proteomic data indicated that Mg2+ supplementation correlated with the maintenance of several biological functions potentially relevant to bacterial survival during freeze-drying and storage, including DNA repair, translation, and central carbon metabolism. These findings provide a map of microbial stress resistance through population heterogeneity and offer a potential strategy that may be adapted for enhancing the stability of other industrial lactic acid bacteria products.

Freeze Drying↗