Elevated rates and biased spectra of mutations in anaerobically cultured lactic acid bacteria.

ABSTRACT: The rate, spectrum, and biases of mutations represent a fundamental force shaping biological evolution. Convention often attributes oxidative DNA damage as a major driver of spontaneous mutations. Yet, despite the contribution of oxygen to mutagenesis and the ecological, industrial, and biomedical importance of anaerobic organisms, relatively little is known about the mutation rates and spectra of anaerobic species. Here, we present the rates and spectra of spontaneous mutations assessed anaerobically over 1000 generations for three fermentative lactic acid bacteria species with varying levels of aerotolerance: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Lactococcus lactis. Our findings reveal highly elevated mutation rates compared to the average rates observed in aerobically

SUBMITTER: Hale OF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11888475 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature