GENOLACT · Consolidating a genomic framework for exploiting lactobacilli
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2015-06-01 → 2017-05-31
- EU contribution
- €187,866
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-ST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Consolidating a genomic framework for exploiting lactobacilli
GENOLACT was about the comparative genomic analysis of 238 species belonging to Lactobacillus genus and associated genera in order to i) understand the genomic relatedness and radiative evolution of lactobacilli; ii) establish a complete inventory of genes and pathways involved in health promoting effects and their interaction with the host; iii) investigate the molecular basis of the antibiotic resistance in lactobacilli. Data obtained supported the development of a more consistent taxonomic scheme for genus Lactobacillus which is expected to be helpful for regulatory applications and scientific communication related to lactobacilli as well as for the selection of new beneficial or technological strains. Mining the genomes of lactobacilli, we unravelled for the first time the potential of lactobacilli to produce probiotic-related metabolites; concurrently, the genetic sequences of antibiotic resistance genes were also identified, allowing the description of the Lactobacillus resistome make-up, previously unknown. During the secondment In Chr. Hansen A/S (Denmark), basic comparative genomics and taxonomic data obtained in the first part of GENOLACT were used to successfully develop a new multilocus sequence typing scheme and for the genome-based safety assessment of a panel of potential probiotic lactobacilli to add them on the European Market in compliance with the requirements by EFSA (the European Food Safety Agency). The knowledge and the results acquired within GENOLACT regarding the evolutionary history of lactobacilli as well as their potential of coding probiotic traits, on one side, and antibiotic resistance traits, on the other, irrefutably contribute to ensure the flow of evidence-based, non-misleading, clearly understandable information about lactobacilli and their application in the food industry and as probiotics. Within GENOLACT, high-level research was performed with leading scientists at UCC and successfully transferred to Chr. Hansen A/S in form of novel industrial solutions, thus giving evidence that in the framework of GENOLACT public and private sectors worked together, through innovative partnerships, increasing manufacturers’ interest in selecting and placing new Lactobacillus-based beneficial products on the EU market and meeting the consumer’s ambitions on probiotics and functional foods as form of preventive medicine.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms with a long history of safe use and a robust evidence for providing beneficial effects to the consumer. The majority of probiotic bacteria belong to Lactobacillus genus, which includes a large number of GRAS species, essential in fermented food production and for use as food preservatives. Lactobacilli have also a range of non-food applications, such as industrial production of lactate for the textile industry in environmentally friendlier ways than chemical synthesis.Despite their broad use, health claims approval by EFSA for probiotics is challenging due to scientific difficulties in validating probiotic mechanisms and a lack of proper strain characterization. Although there has been a surge in research into probiotics, the conversion into actual claims and compliance with the regulatory requirements has proved difficult. The aim of the project is to perform forensically detailed comparative genomic analysis of Lactobacillus species to i) unravel the genetic backbone that has been moulded by genome decay and gene acquisition ii) delineate the genetic features and molecular mechanisms that underpin their health-promoting effects and suitability for use, and iii) identify genes associated with the phenotypes for new food applications.A deeper insight into the safety-related issues for food strains will provide a comprehensive assessment on risk factors to be transferred to companies as supplementary safety guidelines for successful health claim proposals. Data obtained will be used to develop new dietary solutions and safe non-food applications, thus increasing manufacturers’ interest in placing beneficial products on the market and meeting the consumer’s ambitions to live healthier.Within the project, the applicant will have the chance to perform high-level research with leading scientists and create a link between academic institutions and companies for efficient technology transfer and novel industrial solutions.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK · CorkCoordinatorIreland
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union