Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Dairy Science
Volume
94
Issue
9
Publisher
Elsevier
Publication Date
2011
First Page
4313
Last Page
4328
Abstract
Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ 32 is recognized for its ability to decrease bitterness and accelerate flavor development in cheese, and has also been shown to release bioactive peptides in milk. Similar capabilities have been documented in other strains of Lb. helveticus, but the ability of different strains to affect these characteristics can vary widely. Because these attributes are associated with enzymes involved in proteolysis or AA catabolism, we performed comparative genome hybridizations to a CNRZ 32 microarray to explore the distribution of genes encoding such enzymes across a bank of 38 Lb. helveticus strains, including 2 archival samples of CNRZ 32. Genes for peptidases and AA metabolism were highly conserved across the species, whereas those for cell envelope-associated proteinases varied widely. Some of the genetic differences that were detected may help explain the variability that has been noted among Lb. helveticus strains in regard to their functionality in cheese and fermented milk.
Recommended Citation
Broadbent, J. R., H. Cai, R. L. Larsen, J. E. Hughes, D. L. Welker, V. G. De Carvalho, T. A. Tompkins, Y. Ardö, F. Vogensen, A. De Lorentiis, M. Gatti, E. Neviani, and J. L. Steele. 2011. Genetic diversity in proteolytic enzymes and amino acid metabolism among Lactobacillus helveticus strains. J. Dairy Sci. 94:4313–4328.
