In silico Prediction of Bacteriocin Gene within the Genus of Lactobacillus

Abstract

Lactobacillus is a genus that contains a high number of GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) species. Many bacteria strains among those species are of most importance in food microbiology and human nutrition due to their contribution in food fermentation as well as their probiotic role. Lactobacillus genus has long been associated with bacteriocin production and considered as promising antimicrobial agent. Nevertheless, Lactobacillus as a source of bacteriocins has not been fully explored. This study investigates this genus’s potential as a source of novel bacteriocins through the use of in silico screening software BAGEL4, which scans publicly available genomes for potential bacteriocin gene. The association of bacteriocin gene presence with phylogenetic position within the genus was examined. A number of candidates from multiple bacteriocin classes were also identified.