CD Laboratory for Genetically engineered lactic acid bacteria

The basis for targeted genetic adaptation of lactic acid bacteria to the specific needs of industrial production processes is being researched. The starting point is a comprehensive analysis of all genes (genome), mRNA molecules (transcriptome) and proteins (proteome) as well as their interactions (systemic approach).

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) provide numerous valuable services for humans. As part of our intestinal flora, they ensure healthy digestion and are used to preserve food and animal feed (e.g. in yoghurt, sauerkraut and silage). The increasing specialisation of industrial production processes in which MSBs are involved is also increasingly leading to higher technological requirements for these organisms.

By collecting and analysing comprehensive information on the genome, transcriptome and proteome of specific MSB strains, the basis for rational genetic engineering of these bacteria is created. Genetic engineering is an easily controllable tool for optimising selected MSBs as required.

There is also particular interest in the structure of the MSB genome and the regulation of protein synthesis. This includes, for example, the secretion of MSB proteins into their environment. Understanding these structures and processes will help to achieve greater efficiency in the production of desired proteins. Genetic stability - i.e. the avoidance of genetic changes over many MSB generations - and the biological safety of the optimised MSB are also important research concerns. Metagenome analysis is used to clarify biological safety. This method makes it possible to analyse the distribution of genetically adapted MSBs in their natural microbial environment.

The research work in the field of enzyme engineering in collaboration with Graz University of Technology will lead to the achievement of the objectives. In the long term, the basic knowledge acquired will help to construct MSB strains that produce proteins, peptides (short proteins) and metabolic products in larger quantities than before. This could lead to the production of therapeutic proteins as well as enzymes for industrial use. In addition, the construction of MSB strains that can efficiently break down complex plant molecules such as cellulose, hemicellulose or inulin becomes possible. This would improve the fermentation behaviour of the optimised strains, such as faster acidification of the substrate.