Abstract

The advanced growth of genomic databases has produced that many of the genes associated with a certain biological function have been identified and classified. However, currently there is no unified system that associates genes to a certain probiotic activity. In the context of probiotic microorganisms (microorganisms that confer a benefit to the health of the host), it has been determined that Lactobacillus brevis has a high antipathogenic and antioxidant activity, helping to treat diseases such as periodontitis and diarrhea. However, there are still many doubts about which are the molecular mechanisms through this species develops its probiotic activity. In order to elucidate the molecular pathways that provide probiotic faculties to this species, we assembled ‘de novo’ genome of Lactobacillus brevis, and built a specialized database for probiotic organisms, containing 5088 genes classified into 4 major categories associated with a Probiotic activity (production of vitamins, pH resistance, competitive efficiency, and carbohydrate/fatty acid metabolism). This database allowed the identification through gene ontology analysis of 21 genes that probably confer probiotic activity to this species, which 13 genes are part of the bacterial defense system (such as production of bacteriocins, toxin- antitoxin system), explaining its high antipathogenic activity. Thus, as the development of this specialized system that associates genes with a certain probiotic activity will favor the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of a certain probiotic function, to support the rational selection of organisms, new therapeutic targets, and the driving the selection to specific feature to improve the health and wellness.