Summary
This comprehensive genomic study of 3,300 Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae strains (including 1,151 from China) demonstrates that complete-genome assemblies substantially enhance recovery of functional genes related to stress tolerance, nutrient utilisation, and surface polysaccharide synthesis compared to draft assemblies. Chinese-derived isolates of key species, particularly Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, showed greater prevalence (>60%) in the Chinese population and displayed enhanced probiotic potential through stronger competitive interactions with potentially pathogenic species and reduced metabolic complementarity, suggesting that strain geographical origin significantly influences gut ecological fitness and human health benefits.
Regional applicability
This study characterises strains predominantly isolated from Chinese populations and provides population-specific prevalence data; applicability to United Kingdom microbiota and dietary contexts would require comparative analysis of UK-derived strains and validation in UK human cohorts. The identification of L. plantarum's enhanced functional profile may be relevant to UK probiotic food development and personalised nutrition approaches, though population-level prevalence differences suggest caution in direct extrapolation.
Key measures
Complete genome assembly; gene functional annotation; species prevalence >60% in Chinese population versus US/Dutch cohorts; genomic plasticity metrics; metabolic complementarity; competitive interactions with pathogenic species
Outcomes reported
The study analysed complete genomes of 3,300 strains from Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae families (including 1,151 newly isolated from China) to characterise strain-specific functional profiles, metabolic interactions, and gut ecological fitness. Complete-genome assemblies recovered gene functions related to stress tolerance, exopolysaccharide synthesis, nutrient utilisation, and mobile genetic elements, with prevalence data from Chinese, US, and Dutch cohorts compared.
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