In the vast landscape of agricultural technology, a groundbreaking study led by YOU Mingkun and ZHANG Wenyi from the Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University has shed new light on the role of DNA methylation in enhancing the storage properties of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang, a probiotic strain renowned for its immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. The findings, published in ‘Shipin Kexue’ (translated to English as ‘Food Science’), could revolutionize how we approach the preservation and utilization of probiotic strains, with significant implications for the energy sector and beyond.
The study delved into the effects of DNA methylation on the storage properties of L. paracasei Zhang and its DNA methylation mutant (ΔpglX) over a 90-day period at 30°C. The results were striking: the mutant strain showed a significant increase in viable cell numbers compared to the wild type, highlighting the potential of DNA methylation in extending the shelf life of probiotic cultures. “The viable number of the mutant significantly increased compared with the wild type,” said YOU Mingkun, underscoring the practical implications of their findings.
To understand the underlying mechanisms, the researchers employed untargeted metabolomics, a powerful tool that allows for the comprehensive analysis of metabolites. The study identified 269 differential metabolites in the mutant strain, which were primarily involved in pathways such as nucleotide metabolism, purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, citrate cycle, glyoxylate, and dicarboxylate metabolism in the negative ion mode. In the positive ion mode, the metabolites were mainly enriched in the biotin metabolism pathway. These findings suggest that DNA methylation could enhance the storage properties of L. paracasei Zhang by optimizing the generation and utilization of carbohydrates and fatty acids.
The commercial impacts of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, the ability to extend the shelf life of probiotic strains could lead to more efficient and sustainable production processes. Probiotics are increasingly used in bioenergy production, where they play a crucial role in converting organic waste into biogas. By enhancing the storage properties of these strains, the industry could see significant improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Moreover, the insights gained from this study could pave the way for future developments in the field of agritech. As YOU Mingkun and ZHANG Wenyi continue to explore the epigenetic mechanisms at play, we can expect to see more innovative solutions that optimize the use of probiotic strains in various applications. The potential for improving the storage and utilization of probiotics opens up new avenues for research and development, promising a future where agricultural technologies are more robust and sustainable. This study, published in ‘Shipin Kexue’, marks a significant step forward in our understanding of DNA methylation and its role in enhancing the storage properties of probiotic strains, with implications that extend far beyond the laboratory.