Lactobacillus sakei

From MicrobeWiki, the student-edited microbiology resource

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Lactobacillus sakei

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Firmicutes; Lactobacillales; Lactobacillaceae; Lactobacillus

Genus

Genus: Lactobacillus; Species: sakei


NCBI: Taxonomy

Description and significance

Lactobacillus sakei is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium commonly found living on fresh meat and fish. This bacterium is valuable in the fermentation of meat products as well as exhibits properties that allow for better preservation and storage of fresh meats and fish (5). It is the predominant bacteria used for meat fermentation in Europe, whereas Pediococcus pentosaceus tends to be widely used in the United States (5). Lactobacillus sakei took its name from rice alcohol, or sake, which was the product that it was first described in (5).

Sequencing Lactobacillus sakei’s genome was important in determining how this bacterium is so well adapted to meat. A team of INRA (Institut National de La Recherche Agronomique) researchers was able to determine its genome and found that its effectiveness in fermentation and food storage is indicative of its ability to sustain life even under challenging environmental conditions, its ability to produce toxics to kill other bacteria, and its capability to use nutrients in meat for self growth (5).

Genome structure

The entire genome of Lactobacillus sakei strain 23K was determined to be a circular chromosome containing 1,884,661 base pairs. “The genome consisted of 1,883 protein genes, seven rRNA gene clusters, and had a G + C content of 41.25% that appears to be uneven along the chromosome (1).”

Cell structure and metabolism

Although raw meat provides Lactobacillus sakei nutrients for growth, it contains limited amounts of carbohydrates. Out of the few sugars found in meat and raw fish, Lactobacillus sakei can utilize only glucose and ribose (7). It is no surprise that upon examination of its genome, very small transport systems are present for sugar uptake (1). Because sugars are rapidly exhausted in meat, Lactobacillus sakei is also able to catabolize nucleosides such as inosine and adenosine for energy source (1).

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

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References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano