Genetic diversity in the lactose operons of Lactobacillus helveticus strains and its relationship to the role of these strains as commercial starter cultures.

ABSTRACT: Two novel insertion sequence elements, ISLhe1 and ISLhe15, were located upstream of the genes encoding the beta-galactosidase enzyme in Lactobacillus helveticus commercial starter strains. Strains with the IS982 family element, ISLhe1, demonstrated reduced beta-galactosidase activity compared to the L. helveticus type strain, whereas strains with the ISLhe15 element expressed beta-galactosidase in the absence of lactose.

SUBMITTER: Callanan MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1065143 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature