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A functional analysis of the formyl‐coenzyme A ( frc ) gene from L actobacillus reuteri 100‐23C
Author(s) -
Kullin B.,
Tannock G.W.,
Loach D.M.,
Kimura K.,
Abratt V.R.,
Reid S.J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/jam.12500
Subject(s) - lactobacillus reuteri , mutant , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , gene , oxalate , biochemistry , chemistry , fermentation , lactobacillus , organic chemistry
Aim To examine the role of the L actobacillus reuteri 100‐23C frc gene product in oxalate metabolism, host colonization and the acid stress response. Methods and Results Genes encoding putative formyl‐ C o A transferase ( frc ) and oxalyl‐CoA decarboxylase ( oxc ) enzymes are present in the genome sequences of L act. reuteri strains. Two strains isolated from humans harboured an IS 200 insertion sequence in the frc ORF and a group 2 intron‐associated transposase downstream of the frc gene, both of which were lacking in two strains of animal origin, which contained intact frc and oxc genes. An frc − insertional mutant of L act. reuteri 100‐23C was compared with the parent strain with respect to oxalate degradation, colonization of an RLF ‐mouse host model and growth in the presence of acids. Neither parent nor mutant degraded oxalate in vitro or in vivo . However, the parent outcompeted the frc − mutant in the mouse intestine during co‐colonization and the frc − mutant showed a reduced growth rate in the presence of hydrochloric acid. Conclusions Intact oxc and frc genes do not ensure oxalate degradation under the conditions tested. The frc gene product is important during host colonization and survival of acid stress by L act. reuteri 100‐23C. Significance and Impact of the Study Oxalate metabolism by oxalate‐degrading intestinal bacterial strains may be important in preventing urolithiasis and might lead to the derivation of probiotic products. To produce safe and efficacious probiotics, however, an understanding of the genetic characteristics of potential oxalate degraders must be obtained, together with knowledge of their functional ramifications.