Genomic Study of Piscicolin CM22 from Bacteria Found in Salmon

Jenn Hoskins
4th July, 2024

Genomic Study of Piscicolin CM22 from Bacteria Found in Salmon

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from the University of Granada isolated a new strain of lactic acid bacteria, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum CM22, from a salmon gut sample
  • This strain produces a bacteriocin called piscicolin CM22, which is effective against several Gram-positive bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium perfringens
  • Piscicolin CM22 shows potential for use in the agri-food industry to reduce reliance on chemical preservatives and combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, driven by decades of misuse in clinical settings, animal feed, and the food industry. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to manage bacterial infections. One promising avenue involves bacteriocins, small antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria, which have shown potential as alternatives to traditional antibiotics[2]. Recent research from the University of Granada has highlighted the potential of a new strain of lactic acid bacteria, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum CM22, isolated from a salmon gut sample, which produces a variant of the bacteriocin piscicolin 126, named piscicolin CM22[1]. Bacteriocins are naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides that can inhibit the growth of other bacteria. They are produced by various bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are commonly found in food and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals. LAB-produced bacteriocins have been extensively studied for their ability to combat foodborne pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria[3]. The new strain, C. maltaromaticum CM22, adds to this growing body of research by offering a psychrotolerant (cold-tolerant) bacterium capable of producing an effective bacteriocin even at low temperatures. The study began with the isolation of C. maltaromaticum CM22 from a salmon gut sample. The strain was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, a common method for bacterial identification that involves analyzing the genetic material of the bacteria. The complete genome of C. maltaromaticum CM22 was sequenced and assembled, revealing a high degree of similarity to other known strains of C. maltaromaticum that produce piscicolin 126. This genetic characterization is crucial for understanding the bacterium's capabilities and potential applications. One of the key findings of this study is the antimicrobial activity of both the strain and its bacteriocin, piscicolin CM22. In vitro tests demonstrated that piscicolin CM22 is effective against several Gram-positive bacteria of significant concern in human and animal health, including Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringens, and Enterococcus faecalis. These pathogens are known for causing severe infections and are often resistant to multiple antibiotics. However, the bacteriocin did not show any antimicrobial effect on Gram-negative bacteria, which indicates a specificity that could be advantageous in targeting specific pathogens without disrupting beneficial microbiota. The potential applications of this new strain and its bacteriocin are far-reaching. The agri-food industry, in particular, could benefit from such natural antimicrobial agents. For instance, incorporating bacteriocins like piscicolin CM22 into food preservation processes could help reduce the reliance on chemical preservatives, addressing consumer concerns about food safety and chemical additives[4]. Additionally, the use of bacteriocins in animal feed could promote gut health and reduce the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, thus enhancing overall animal health and productivity[5]. Furthermore, the study of bacteriocins like piscicolin CM22 ties into broader efforts to find alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Bacteriocins are produced by commensal bacteria, which are part of the natural microbiota and play a role in maintaining gut health by inhibiting pathogenic bacteria through competitive exclusion and the production of antimicrobial substances[5]. This aligns with the findings from previous studies that highlight the importance of microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract and the potential of bacteriocins to modulate this microbiota in a beneficial way[2][3][5]. In conclusion, the discovery of Carnobacterium maltaromaticum CM22 and its bacteriocin piscicolin CM22 represents a significant advancement in the search for natural antimicrobial agents. The strain's psychrotolerant nature and its effectiveness against Gram-positive pathogens make it a promising candidate for applications in the agri-food industry and beyond. While further research is needed to fully understand its functional properties and practical applications, this study from the University of Granada provides a solid foundation for future exploration and development of bacteriocin-based solutions to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and improve food safety.

GeneticsBiochemMarine Biology

References

Main Study

1) Genomic Characterization of Piscicolin CM22 Produced by Carnobacterium maltaromaticum CM22 Strain Isolated from Salmon (Salmo salar)

Published 3rd July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-024-10316-1

Related Studies

2) Bacteriocins in the Era of Antibiotic Resistance: Rising to the Challenge.

https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13020196

3) Bacteriocins: Properties and potential use as antimicrobials.

https://doi.org/10.1002/jcla.24093

4) Antibacterial Activity of Pediocin and Pediocin-Producing Bacteria Against Listeria monocytogenes in Meat Products.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.709959

5) The gastrointestinal microbiome and its association with the control of pathogens in broiler chicken production: A review.

https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex359


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