10.01.07
Valio Ltd., Helsinki, Finland, has completed the genome sequence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), the world’s most researched probiotic bacterium. The LGG genome consists of over three million nucleotides, the basic components of DNA, which make up approximately 3100 genes. The genome is large compared with that of most other lactic acid bacteria, which enables LGG to generate a greater variety of qualities compared to the others. The next step is to annotate the individual genes, and once they have been identified, to build a map of LGG’s properties. Such interesting probiotic qualities possessed by LGG include its ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract, adhere to the surface of the intestine, and have a positive effect on the host’s immunity. Completely new qualities are being sought, which can be patented and utilized in functional food products in the future.